Censorship of publications, artwork, audio and video by the Lebanese General Security
Article 1- All cinematic tapes are subject to monitoring and may not be shown to the public in cinema halls, private clubs, or anywhere else without a permit from the Public Security Directorate. The censorship deals with cinematic tapes of all kinds, whether they are imported from abroad or taken in Lebanon. This article applies to movie tapes imported for the second time, even if they were subjected to control when they were imported for the first time.
Not Compliant with Standards
Analysis
According to Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and "this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference. To search for, receive and impart various kinds of information and ideas to others, regardless of frontiers, whether orally, in writing, in print, in the form of art, or by any means of his choice."The exercise of the right provided for in the preceding paragraph may not be subject to prior Censorship, but may be subject to the imposition of subsequent liability expressly determined by law.
Recommendations
Repeal the article and amend the censorship law on cinematic work only to ensure the protection of minors by creating a legal mechanism for classifying films by a qualified body, not by a security entity, and ensuring that films are not shown or requested to be modified. Any act that is subject to interpretation remains within the jurisdiction of the court for any subsequent and not prior censorship to decide on it.
Censorship
