In late October 2026, the Central Investigations Bureau summoned Lebanese journalist Inas Jarmakani after a complaint was filed with the Cassation public prosecution over reports on a company published on her media platform, Kalam Inas. The complaint accused her of fabricating false news and inciting sectarian tensions. She has not been convicted of any offence in connection with these accusations.
According to a fellow journalist’s account, an earlier complaint over the same reports had been referred from the Cybercrime Bureau to a body competent in media cases after documents were submitted, without Jarmakani appearing before a security service. The account objected to the renewed demand for police questioning under different accusations.
On 29 October, the heads of the Press and Editors’ syndicates called for the suspension of Article 104 of the new Media Law, which punishes intentionally fabricating falsehoods and publishing false or harmful news, and exposes journalists to imprisonment, warning that its use exposed journalists to imprisonment. On 31 October, Jarmakani said the judiciary had rejected her appearance at the police station and thanked the Cassation Public Prosecutor, the syndicate heads and Information Minister Paul Morcos for their support. The Ministry of Information republished her statement on 2 November.
The case raises concerns about the use of criminal accusations and police questioning in response to journalistic work. Successive legal proceedings can impose costs on journalists and discourage reporting on companies. Jarmakani’s account of judicial intervention also points to the importance of professional support and consistent procedural safeguards.