News from Civsy, based on generative AI tools and retrieval-augumented real time data searchLebanon’s vibrant arts scene, known for its cultural richness and political critique, continues to face significant challenges due to censorship and harassment. Artists, filmmakers, and performers are frequently targeted by authorities, religious groups, and political factions when their work addresses sensitive issues such as politics, religion, or gender, domestically and abroad. Recent incidents also reveal a troubling pattern of repression that threatens artistic freedom in the country.
In March 2025, Lebanese newspaper Al Joumhouria launched the Uncensored Press campaign to counter digital censorship of war imagery from Lebanon’s 2024 conflict. Social media algorithms flagged critical images as “sensitive” or “violating guidelines,” effectively erasing stories of survival and war from global audiences. To bypass these restrictions, Al Joumhouria collaborated with artist Keira Rathbone to recreate censored visuals using typewriters. This innovative approach ensured that powerful narratives continued to reach audiences while avoiding automated suppression[3].
In January 2025, General Security banned four plays in Beirut for addressing taboo topics such as religion, homosexuality, and Lebanon’s civil war. The civil rights organization MARCH reported that these scripts used publicly available content but were rejected under arbitrary censorship laws. An ongoing court appeal seeks to formalize decisions on banned content and expose inefficiencies in Lebanon’s censorship framework[5].
On October 19, 2024, Lebanese-Syrian journalist Alia Mansour was detained at her home in Beirut by State Security officers following a smear campaign accusing her of communicating with an Israeli social media account. Her phone and laptop were confiscated during the arrest, and she was questioned without legal representation. This incident reflects the broader climate of intimidation faced by journalists and artists who challenge societal norms or political narratives[4].
In May 2024, comedian Shaden Fakih faced lawsuits filed by Lebanon’s highest Sunni and Shiite religious authorities for alleged blasphemy and inciting sectarian strife. The charges stemmed from jokes made during her stand-up routines that criticized sectarianism—a deeply sensitive issue in Lebanon’s divided society. Fakih’s case exemplifies how legal mechanisms are used to suppress dissenting voices in Lebanon’s arts scene[5].
In April 2024, playwright Wajdi Mouawad canceled the world premiere of his play Wedding Day at the Cro-Magnons at Monnot Theatre in Beirut after accusations that he had received funding from Israel for previous works. Although Mouawad denied these claims, entities claiming to represent “the resistance” filed a complaint against him in military court for alleged collusion with the enemy. Facing threats to his troupe and venue staff, Mouawad returned to France where he directs La Colline Theater[6].
Since October 2023, Lebanese artists expressing solidarity with Palestine during the Israel-Hamas conflict have reported harassment and threats both locally and internationally. Photographer Ayla Hibri received anonymous calls warning her to stop posting about Gaza, while Hamed Sinno, former frontman of Mashrou’ Leila, was harassed on a Beirut street by a Zionist supporter who spat on him as police stood by without intervening[7].
In August 2023, Lebanon banned the American film Barbie after caretaker Culture Minister Mohamad Mortada claimed it promoted “gender transformation” and ridiculed patriarchy. General Security enforced the ban under vague morality clauses that allow authorities to suppress content deemed contrary to cultural norms. The decision sparked debates over freedom of expression versus traditional values in Lebanon[8].
One of Lebanon’s most iconic bands, Mashrou’ Leila, disbanded in September 2022 following years of harassment and bans across the region. Known for advocating LGBTQ+ rights through music addressing sectarianism and homophobia, the band faced persistent online abuse and death threats after Christian groups accused them of blasphemy during their canceled 2019 concert in Byblos. Their disbandment marked a significant loss for Lebanon’s arts scene as societal pressures silenced one of its most internationally acclaimed acts[7].
These incidents paint a troubling picture of censorship and harassment in Lebanon’s arts scene. From bans on films like Barbie to lawsuits against comedians like Shaden Fakih and accusations leveled against playwrights like Wajdi Mouawad, artists face increasing restrictions that stifle creativity and limit critical discourse. Political accusations—such as those targeting Khaled Sabsabi—further illustrate how repression is often fueled by personal agendas or identity politics.
Despite these challenges, Lebanon’s creative community remains resilient. Initiatives like Al Joumhouria’s campaign against digital censorship demonstrate innovative ways to bypass restrictions while amplifying suppressed narratives. However, safeguarding artistic freedom requires systemic reforms to protect creators from arbitrary censorship laws and societal pressures that threaten their work. As Lebanon navigates ongoing political instability and economic crises, ensuring freedom of expression will be crucial for preserving its rich cultural heritage—a heritage that thrives on challenging norms rather than conforming to them.
Citations:
1. *Barbie Ban Sparks Debate Over Free Expression*, BBC News (August 2023)[8].
3. *Uncensored Press Campaign Counters Digital Censorship*, Campaign Middle East (March 2025)[3].
4. *Framing Alia Mansour*, Now Lebanon (October 19, 2024)[4].
5. *Female Comedian Shaden Fakih Accused of Blasphemy*, EuroMed Rights (May 15, 2024)[5].
6. *Wedding Day at the Cro-Magnons Canceled Amid Controversy*, New York Times (June 10, 2024)[6].
7. *Artists Supporting Palestine Risk It All*, L’Orient Today (November 26, 2023)[7].
[2] https://themethod.art/blogs/magazine/australia-drops-khaled-sabsabi-venice-biennale
[3] https://campaignme.com/lebanon-newspaper-campaign-reveals-algorithm-censorship-of-war-correspondence/
[4] https://nowlebanon.com/framing-alia-mansour/
[5] https://backlashmap.euromedrights.org/en/articles/lebanon-female-comedian-shaden-fakih-accused-of-blasphemy/
[6] https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/10/theater/wajdi-mouawad-wedding-day-at-the-cro-magnons.html
[7] https://today.lorientlejour.com/article/1358301/artists-supporting-palestine-risk-it-all.html
[8] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-66464852
[9] https://news.artnet.com/art-world/khaled-sabsabi-show-canceled-2624794
[10] https://arabadonline.com/en/details/art-and-design/Uncensored-Press-Overcoming-algorithmic-censorship-to-uncover-war-s-truth
[11] https://freedomhouse.org/country/lebanon/freedom-net/2024
[12] https://www.skeyesmedia.org/ar/News/Reports/21-11-2024/12099
[13] https://www.timesnownews.com/world/asia/who-is-shaden-fakih-blasphemy-charges-filed-against-comedian-by-lebanese-islamic-authorities-article-110061757
[14] https://themarkaz.org/wajdi-mouawads-controversial-wedding-day/
[15] https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2023/11/16/pprr-n16.html
[16] https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20230901-lebanon-green-lights-barbie-after-initial-ban-attempt-on-moral-grounds
[17] https://www.biennialfoundation.org/2025/02/khaled-sabsabi/
[18] https://communicateonline.me/category/industry-insights/post-details/uncensored-press-the-typewriter-is-mightier-than-the-sword
[19] https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/lebanon-bans-two-films-setback-tolerant-image-155609704.html
[20] https://cpj.org/2024/10/journalists-face-israeli-strikes-displacement-attacks-as-war-escalates-in-lebanon/
[21] https://jordantimes.com/news/region/insult%E2%80%99-takes-taboos-lebanon%E2%80%99s-civil-war
