Two Lebanese actors to be tried on charges of public indecency

The restriction of freedom of expression and creativity is still ongoing after the prosecution of graffiti artist Semaan Khawam and the interrogation of civil activists Ali Fakhri and Khodr Salameh. We will watch the last incident of this series on Wednesday morning when artists Edmond Haddad and Rawiya al-Chab will stand before the appeal judge in Beirut on charges of public indecency and socially deviant acts, knowing that this case goes back to the end of 2009.      

A theatrical performance by Haddad and al-Chab might lead them both to prison as a verdict of one-month imprisonment was issued against the two, along with a fine imposed in 2011. The judge based his decision on an article published by a local newspaper; the article deprived the event from its humoristic aspect and promoted it as encouraging prostitution. The Judge also referred to a scene where Edmond appears in his underwear; this detail in particular is the one that drew the mockery of activists on social media platforms.       

So, come Wednesday morning, if the Judiciary does not issue a verdict in favor of freedom and art, we will officially announce the beginning of the “Lebanese fall”.