Sehnaoui: It is only normal that the cabinet refuse to deliver the data

Telecommunications Minister Nicolas Sehnaoui stressed on Thursday that it is only natural that the cabinet refuse to deliver the full telecommunications data to the security apparatuses to prevent the violation of the Lebanese citizens’ privacy.

Sehnaoui added that the apparatuses’ request is against the law and the constitution, describing it as "illogical since it hinders the freedom and democracy in Lebanon."

When asked about the opposition holding the government accountable for any murder that occurs in Lebanon because of the abstention from surrendering the data, Sehnaoui replied that a professional assassin does not conduct large-scale operations via the usual telecommunication and internet networks, stressing that “the alibi to reveal the Lebanese citizens’ secrets and take control of Lebanon’s security is no longer acceptable.”

On the ranks and salaries pay scale’s issue, Sehanoui stated that the cabinet continues to discuss the file and that no specific deadlines to finalize it were set, emphasizing that the Change and Reform parliamentary bloc suggested the forming of smaller ministerial committees to find sources to finance the pay scale.