The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) strongly condemns this law suit against Marcel Khalifé as a serious violation of the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of conscience. These rights are guaranteed by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Lebanon is a party. The FIDH is particularly concerned as this case is not an isolated one : recently, a ballet by the French choreograph Maurice Béjart was censured in Beyrouth, allegedly because it was not respectful of the Koran.
The FIDH calls upon the Lebanese authorities to take all possible measures to ensure that Marcel Khalifé is tried by an independent tribunal, in full respect of the right to a fair trial.
The FIDH considers the space for artistic freedom as a strong indicator of the respect of the rule of law and democratic freedom. In seeking to silence a singer, the Lebanese authorities are working against the construction of a free and open society where artistic creation would be encouraged.