After suspension of “Rissalat Association” license, PM Salam explains government’s decision

Following the cabinet’s decision to suspend the license and authorization granted to the Lebanese Association for the Arts – Rissalat, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam explained the reasoning behind the move in a post on X.

Salam noted that while the majority required by the constitution existed to proceed with dissolving the association, the government sought to balance public order with the constitutional right to form associations.

The Interior Ministry had detailed multiple violations by Rissalat, including exceeding the scope of its activities, breaching internal regulations, misusing public property, obstructing public roads, and abusing its right to organize gatherings.

Salam emphasized that the suspension will remain in effect until the administrative and judicial investigations by the relevant authorities, including the public prosecution, are concluded.

He stressed that protecting the freedom of associations does not prevent the government from taking necessary measures to maintain public order and safeguard the public interest.