The law office “Rashed & Bassem,” the legal representative of the media personality “Ragheda Dergham,” issued a statement responding to what it described as “defamation, slander, and incitement to violence campaigns” that she is being subjected to, due to false information and defamatory content being circulated on social media regarding a real estate property belonging to her.
The statement indicated that during the past few days, platforms and individuals on social media, including well-known pages and accounts, and people associated with or managing them, have been publishing incorrect claims, inciting hatred, and encouraging organized harassment campaigns targeting “Dergham” personally. The statement affirmed that these actions have exceeded the limits of freedom of opinion and peaceful expression, and have extended to defamation, threats, and incitement to violence, including the publication of personal information and calls for confrontations and field escalation.
The office clearly affirmed that the aforementioned property is private, legal, and duly registered in the official records, and proven by available ownership documents. It emphasized that Dr. “Ragheda Dergham” obtained all the necessary licenses and fully complied with the applicable laws and regulations, and that any allegations regarding the existence of legal violations, bribes, or exploitation of influence are baseless and not based on any evidence.
The statement pointed out that, contrary to the misleading narratives circulating, “Dergham” invested to secure safe access for fishermen and the public, including the creation of a dedicated passage that has been used for many years in peace and respect. It clarified that what is currently being promoted through social media platforms is not in the framework of defending the public interest, but rather an organized campaign of defamation, personal targeting, and incitement, which endangers personal safety and constitutes a blatant violation of the law and an undermining of the foundations of civil discourse.
The office clarified that all defamatory statements, threats, acts of aggression, and calls for violence, whether issued through digital platforms or otherwise, are being carefully documented and followed up through the competent legal channels without exception.
The statement concluded by affirming that “Ragheda Dergham” has spent decades serving Lebanon and its interests at the international level, and returned to her homeland out of commitment and love, and has deep respect for the town of Kfar Abida and its residents, and categorically rejects attempts to incite against her through lies and intimidation. The statement called on all parties and media platforms to exercise responsibility, refrain from publishing unconfirmed allegations, and respect the rule of law, warning that any further escalation will be dealt with by taking all necessary legal measures and accountability.
