Beirut: Lebanon has taken a significant legislative step by passing a new media law that introduces several reforms aimed at enhancing human rights and protecting freedom of expression. However, the law still leaves room for concern as it fails to completely eliminate legal provisions that restrict free speech, Amnesty International reported. According to Amnesty International, the Lebanese Parliament adopted the Media Law on August 11, 2026, replacing outdated legislation from 1962 and 1994. The law, published in the official gazette on September 3, introduces important safeguards such as decriminalizing insults and defamation in specific cases, prohibiting pretrial detention in media-related cases, and expanding protections for online expression. It also limits the jurisdiction of military courts over media-related cases. Despite these advancements, the law retains certain penal code provisions that could criminalize protected speech, such as defaming foreign states. It also establishes a new criminal off ense for disseminating false or harmful news, an area that remains vaguely defined and potentially open to misuse. Amnesty International has criticized these aspects, emphasizing the need for further reforms to ensure true freedom of expression in Lebanon. In recent years, individuals in Lebanon have faced legal action for expressing views on controversial topics or criticizing powerful figures. Amnesty International has highlighted the necessity for the Lebanese Parliament to address these legal provisions that continue to endanger free speech. The organization calls for the repeal of offenses related to false and harmful news and for the full decriminalization of defamation. The new law introduces several positive changes, particularly for journalists and media workers. It prohibits pretrial detention for media-related offenses and strengthens protections for sources. It also recognizes digital media, modernizing Lebanon's media framework by eliminating prior censorship and licensing requirements for medi a outlets. These changes mark a significant shift towards improving the environment for free expression in the country. However, the law's introduction of a criminal offense for disinformation, without a clear definition, is seen as a step backward. This provision could be abused, leading to arbitrary investigations and prosecutions. Amnesty International stresses that criminalization is not an effective way to address disinformation and urges the parliament to amend the law to align with international standards on freedom of expression. The reform process began in 2010, with a draft law aimed at replacing the 1962 Publications Law. Over the years, the draft underwent extensive revisions before its final adoption. Throughout this process, Amnesty International and its partners have campaigned to ensure that Lebanese legislation supports, rather than suppresses, media freedom and peaceful debate. While the new media law represents progress, it leaves serious gaps that need to be addressed to safeguard freed om of expression in Lebanon fully. Amnesty International continues to advocate for the repeal of laws that criminalize insults directed at public figures, emphasizing that public officials should be open to criticism and political opposition.