Lebanon’s Presidential Media Office issued a public reminder on Sunday, calling on local media outlets to uphold their national, legal, and ethical responsibilities in coverage, and warned against spreading unfounded accusations, particularly those directed at Lebanon’s foreign allies, including Arab countries.

In a strongly worded statement, the presidency urged journalists and media organizations to refrain from disseminating misinformation or making baseless allegations that could be construed as hostile acts, especially when such claims risk undermining national interests.

“All media outlets are reminded of the need to act responsibly, nationally, legally, and ethically, especially during this delicate period,” the statement said. “We urge everyone to refrain from making unfounded accusations, fabrications, or misleading reports targeting any foreign party friendly to Lebanon, particularly our Arab brothers. This is especially critical in cases and at times that could verge on harming the country’s broader national interests.”

While reaffirming Lebanon’s firm commitment to freedom of expression, the presidency emphasized that such freedom must be exercised within the bounds of truth and public order, in line with democratic norms. Citing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the statement underscored that free speech carries responsibilities, including a duty to factual reporting.

“Freedom of expression is sacred, but it comes with non-negotiable obligations—first, to the truth, and second, to preserving public order in a democratic society,” the office said.

It warned that any deviation from these principles would place the offender outside the scope of protected speech and amount to “deliberate wrongdoing.”