Jreissati Says 'Didn't Move Lawsuit' against Comedian Hisham Haddad

Justice Minister Salim Jreissati stressed Friday that he did not move the public prosecution against the comedian Hisham Haddad, the host of 'Lahonwbas', the National News Agency reported.

Jreissati clarified that the lawsuit was filed by a decision from the public prosecution, added NNA.

On Thursday, the public prosecution filed a lawsuit against Haddad, the host of Lebanon's most watched satirical TV show aired on LBCI television, over mentioning Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and satirical remarks about Prime Minister Saad Hariri.

“At the request of State Prosecutor Judge Samir Hammoud, Mount Lebanon attorney general Judge Ghada Aoun has referred a lawsuit against the journalist Hisham Haddad to the Publications Court on charges pertaining to Article 23 of Law 104/77,” the National News Agency had said.

“The referral is linked to Haddad's mentioning of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the Lahonwbas show,” NNA added.

LBCI said the lawsuit is also linked to remarks about Hariri.

In the episode that caused him trouble with authorities, Haddad comments on a “prediction” by Lebanon's famous fortune teller Michel Hayek that MBS will be told by doctors to reduce his consumption of fast food.

“Amidst everything that is happening in the region, you are advising him to stop eating hamburgers! I advise him to stop 'fast arrests', 'fast policies', 'fast campaigns' and 'fast military strikes',” Haddad says sarcastically.

“I don't care if he gets fat or not! I have nothing to do with the crown prince's cholesterol! What do I have to do with the prince's triglyceride?” Haddad adds.

Haddad is the second LBC anchor to be sued in two months under laws protecting Lebanese and foreign leaders against defamation. Civil society groups warn the suits have a chilling effect on Lebanon's independent press.