Al-Jadeed TV Is Suing Gebran Bassil & His Party

LebaneseForces | Reuters/Mohamed Azakir

Al-Jadeed has filed a lawsuit against the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) and its leader MP Gebran Bassil after its members, Aoun supporters, attacked the station Tuesday evening.

In violation of the rights of the press, FPM members attacked Al-Jadeed’s building with sticks and stones, as well as vandalized it with spray paint and throwing large quantity of garbage at the entrance.

The attack came in response to the news station’s evening news that criticized President Michel Aoun.

The news reported on the president’s performance, citing his habit of falling asleep in inappropriate situations and of forgetting decisions agreed on during his sessions with PM-designate Hariri regarding the formation of the government.

FPM members and Aoun supporters lashed out, on Twitter as well as physically on the TV station’s building and its surrounding.

Responding to the violence against it, the TV station announced on Wednesday that it is suing “unknown attackers whose allegiance is known,” the Free Patriotic Movement in the person of its leader Gebran Bassil, and all those who the investigation finds were involved in the attack.

Based on footage and proof, Al-Jadeed says the attack was premeditated and says it has caused major damage to private and public properties.