Speaker Berri warns against sectarian strife, condemns insults targeting religious symbols

Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri condemned campaigns of insults and attacks targeting religious and national symbols, regardless of their source or whether they were carried out through the media or online platforms.

Berri called on the Lebanese people to recognize the dangers of sliding into sectarian strife, which he said has long been sought by Lebanon’s common enemy against both Christians and Muslims.

He said: “The one who yesterday dared to destroy the school, the convent of the Sisters of the Holy Saviour, and Saint George Church in Yaroun, smash the statue of Jesus Christ in Debl, and before that demolish the historic Grand Mosque in the city of Bint Jbeil, and today the Husseiniya club in Doueir, is the only winner if the Lebanese become divided over their rights and engage in conflict among themselves, God forbid.”

Berri warned against fueling sedition, saying national responsibility requires everyone to work toward containing tensions rather than inflaming them.

He also called on judicial authorities to act immediately to hold accountable anyone who insults or disrespects the sanctity and dignity of religious symbols and messages.