Military Court Sentences Two Activists to 15 Years for Social Media Posts Critical of Hezbollah

Lebanon's Military Court, under the direction of Brigadier General Wassim Fayyad, has concluded proceedings in two cases involving individuals prosecuted for statements made on social media platforms regarding Hezbollah, resulting in significant prison sentences for both defendants.

The court tried activist Joumana Jabbara in absentia after she faced charges stemming from social media posts in which she praised Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee and thanked him for military operations targeting Hezbollah positions. According to the charges, Jabbara expressed support for peace with Israel and encouraged others to adopt similar positions, despite the casualties and destruction caused by Israel's military operations in southern Lebanon.

The case gained prominence when Adraee publicly responded to Jabbara's statements, expressing his appreciation for her remarks. Following this exchange, a complaint was filed with the Military Public Prosecution, leading to an investigation by a military judge who issued an arrest warrant. The Military Court subsequently convicted Jabbara in absentia and sentenced her to 15 years imprisonment, along with the loss of her civil rights and execution of the arrest warrant. The verdict was delivered in November 2024.

In a separate case, Dr. Ahmed Yassin, a university professor based in France known for his vocal criticism of Hezbollah through political commentary and analysis on YouTube and social media, faced prosecution over allegations related to claims about the ancient Baalbek Citadel. The charges alleged that Yassin incited enemy military action by publishing statements claiming the citadel contained Hezbollah missiles, military equipment, and underground tunnels.

Yassin did not attend any stage of the military court proceedings. The court sentenced him to 15 years in prison, stripped him of his civil rights, ordered execution of an arrest warrant, and imposed an additional fine of four million Lebanese pounds.

The prosecutions have generated considerable debate regarding the boundaries between freedom of expression and legitimate political criticism, particularly given Lebanon's precarious security environment following the onset of Israeli military operations in October 2024.