The day the 'dawn raiders' came for me

Fake news about me related to espionage, conspiracies, and confessions had been spun. Colleagues had been dragged into what was now understood to be a web of deceit. Some social media users—even fellow journalists—clamoured for my punishment, urging retribution and claiming that this was an opportunity not to be missed—even if I had no ties to the enemy. However, state security was more motivated to go after little old me—a completely innocent person—instead of those who participated in this vicious witchhunt against me.

A sign of decline

For years, Lebanon has been mired in an unrelenting cycle of political, economic, and security crises. Today, it faces Israeli aggression, ostensibly going after Hezbollah after breaching its security—a breach that seemingly came from within Hezbollah's own ranks.

When it comes to access and insider knowledge, those who criticise Hezbollah's policies openly have no such sensitive information. This is a famously secretive organisation. Very few people know what is discussed at the top table.

Ironically, my home was violated on 19 October, the anniversary of the 2012 assassination of Maj. Gen. Wissam al-Hassan, a Lebanese intelligence chief who uncovered more than 30 Israeli spy networks, leading to around 100 arrests. If he were alive today, I would imagine he would find my arrest extremely absurd, given the proliferation of actual spies in the country.

Regrettably, we can now add security and professionalism failures to Lebanon's already-established political and economic failures. Those who oppose Hezbollah or Iranian influence in Lebanon are quickly branded collaborators and traitors. In terms of absurdity, it reminds me of the charge of "weakening national morale," a familiar tool of oppression in my homeland, Syria.

As a Lebanese citizen with full citizenship rights, I hold the authorities fully accountable for my safety and that of my family. But this is not about me. It is about Lebanon itself. It is about freedom.

Although it is disheartening, I don't expect much from Lebanon's press freedom institutions, as many have ties to the political establishment. I was, however, surprised by the deafening silence of human rights and media organisations that emerged from the 17 October uprising.

There is a real danger in the ease with which cases can be fabricated against anyone who dares oppose Hezbollah and its orbit of power. From Ziad Itani to Ziad Ajouz to Maryam Majdoline Lahham… countless cases pass unnoticed in a country that once stood as a bastion of freedom in the Arab world.

Building for tomorrow

Today's battle is about the Lebanon we wish to create—a free country capable of protecting its people. Instead of confronting the external aggression we face, we are turning on each other in an internal conflict meant to weaken us. But we will not be silenced. We will continue to speak openly and clearly, and we will be able to do so under a law meant to safeguard us, not attack us.

Since 2005, I have had the privilege of calling Beirut my home. I have had the honour of standing alongside brave voices like those of Gebran Tueni, Samir Kassir, and other free people in the fight. We will be neither cowed nor deterred by a rogue political system gasping its last breath.