Article C of the Lebanese Constitution’s PREAMBLE:
Lebanon is a parliamentary democratic republic based on respect for public liberties, especially the freedom of opinion and belief, and respect for social justice and equality of rights and duties among all citizens without discrimination.
In CHAPTER TWO, THE LEBANESE: THEIR RIGHTS AND DUTIES
Article 7
All Lebanese shall be equal before the law. They shall equally enjoy civil and political rights and shall equally be bound by public obligations and duties without any distinction.
Article 8
Individual liberty is guaranteed and protected by law. No one may be arrested, imprisoned, or kept in custody except according to the provisions of the law. No offense may be established or penalty imposed except by law.
Article 9
There shall be absolute freedom of conscience. The state in rendering homage to the God Almighty shall respect all religions and creeds and shall guarantees, under its protection the free exercise of all religious rites provided that public order is not disturbed. It shall also guarantees that the personal status and religious interests of the population, to whatever religious sect they belong, shall be respected.
Article 13
The freedom to express one's opinion orally or in writing, the freedom of the press, the freedom of assembly, and the freedom of association shall be guaranteed within the limits established by law.
It’s not the regime that needs to be changed, it’s the people in charge. The Lebanese Constitution needs few minor amendments but overall it’s the most democratic Constitution in the Arab world. It just needs to be applied.
So, shall we start demanding its application?
In CHAPTER TWO, THE LEBANESE: THEIR RIGHTS AND DUTIES
Article 7
All Lebanese shall be equal before the law. They shall equally enjoy civil and political rights and shall equally be bound by public obligations and duties without any distinction.
Article 8
Individual liberty is guaranteed and protected by law. No one may be arrested, imprisoned, or kept in custody except according to the provisions of the law. No offense may be established or penalty imposed except by law.
Article 9
There shall be absolute freedom of conscience. The state in rendering homage to the God Almighty shall respect all religions and creeds and shall guarantees, under its protection the free exercise of all religious rites provided that public order is not disturbed. It shall also guarantees that the personal status and religious interests of the population, to whatever religious sect they belong, shall be respected.
Article 13
The freedom to express one's opinion orally or in writing, the freedom of the press, the freedom of assembly, and the freedom of association shall be guaranteed within the limits established by law.
It’s not the regime that needs to be changed, it’s the people in charge. The Lebanese Constitution needs few minor amendments but overall it’s the most democratic Constitution in the Arab world. It just needs to be applied.
So, shall we start demanding its application?
Photo AFP