In a firm stance regarding what it described as violations affecting religious symbols, the Maronite League called for rapid judicial and security action to put an end to the abuse circulating through social media.
In a statement headed by Maroun Al-Helou, the association considered that “in light of what we are witnessing of abuses of religious sites and symbols through social media, and in view of what this disdain and incitement constitutes of impoliteness and lack of respect for what the Maronite Patriarchate represents and what Patriarch Bechara Boutros Al-Rai represents at the personal and national levels, we place these violations in the jurisdiction of the competent judiciary,” considering the statement “as information for quick action and necessary action.” And arrest and hold those responsible accountable.”
She added that “the Maronite Patriarchate, the compass of Lebanon’s sovereignty and pluralism, and calling for the values of partnership based on mutual respect, remains above the limits of any harm, and continues to be the strongest expression of Lebanon, the entity that embraces all its children,” stressing that “insults against it are unacceptable and must not pass, in order to ensure civil peace, preserve coexistence, and prevent public discourse from sliding toward sedition and attacks on sanctities.”
The Association called on all concerned, especially the judicial and security agencies, to strictly enforce applicable laws against anyone proven to be involved in these acts, and not to tolerate any transgression that affects religious dignity and symbols.
She concluded by emphasizing that “protecting religious symbols is an integral part of protecting Lebanon’s message, and that any attack on them is a violation of the national fabric, which requires a comprehensive stance to deter these phenomena and preserve Lebanon’s cultural image.”
