Latest news with #pan-Arab
France 24
5 days ago
- Politics
- France 24
After 40 years behind bars in France, Georges Abdallah will return home to Lebanon
Abdallah will be released from his prison cell in southern France on July 25 and transported by military aircraft to Paris. He will then board a flight to Beirut, where he will he transferred into Lebanese custody. For his supporters, Abdallah's release brings long-overdue justice. For others, his name is simply reminiscent of a distant and complex chapter in history. But his return has symbolic weight in his country of origin. 'This moment isn't about sentimentality – it's about the long wait, 40 years of it. It's about resilience in the face of delays, appeals, discrimination. This is not a time for nostalgia, but rather a culmination of time and justice,' said his brother, Robert Abdallah. Abdallah was convicted and sentenced to life in prison in 1987 for the assassinations of US military attaché Charles Robert Ray and Israeli diplomat Yacov Barsimantov. While he has always denied direct involvement, Abdallah never distanced himself from the resistance movement he co-founded, the Lebanese Armed Revolutionary Factions, a Marxist group aligned with Palestinian and pan-Arab causes that also sought to evict foreign forces – notably Israel – from Lebanese soil. Despite multiple court rulings over the years recommending his release, Abdallah remained in prison due to political pressure – particularly from the United States and Israel. He ultimately served four decades in France's Lannemezan prison, steadfastly refusing to express remorse. A free man Although he completed the minimum sentence in 1999 he remained behind bars, multiple requests for parole having been denied. Preparations to welcome him have been under way ever since, according to Catherine Daher, a journalist and activist for Lebanon's National Campaign to Free Georges Abdallah. 'We can say that preparations to welcome comrade Georges have been ongoing since 1999, when his sentence officially ended,' Daher said. 'Since then, we've faced repeated release orders – in 2003, 2013 and 2024 – that were blocked for political reasons,' she said, making him 'the longest-held political prisoner in Europe'. Now, at 74, Abdallah is preparing to return to his hometown of Qoubaiyat in northern Lebanon – not just as a free man resuming civilian life, but as a deeply symbolic figure. Daher said plans are under way for a series of public events upon his return to Lebanon. 'His welcome will include state officials, political leaders, his family, and the national campaign that fought for his release – as well as student groups, media figures, trade unionists, human rights advocates, cultural voices, and activists from France and beyond who played a key role in keeping up the pressure,' she said. One of the first political forces to welcome his release was the Lebanese Communist Party, which hailed Abdallah as a principled 'resistance fighter' who refused to compromise even after four decades behind bars. Hezbollah described Abdallah as a 'hero of resistance' and 'a symbol for every prisoner, fighter and honourable person who raised the banner of dignity in the face of tyrants'. Hezbollah was a newly emergent group at the time of his arrest in 1984. But other major parties have stayed quiet. The Lebanese Forces and Kataeb, two prominent Christian factions with roots in Lebanon's civil war era, have not issued any public comment. 'It's understandable that many Lebanese political factions – especially Christian parties like the Kataeb and Lebanese Forces – have not issued any public statement welcoming Georges Abdallah's return,' said political and social psychologist Ramzi Abou Ismail. 'Although he is a Christian by background, Abdallah never embodied the in-group identity typically promoted by these parties.' 'His alignment with Palestinian armed factions during the civil war, and his rejection of sectarian politics, positioned him as a challenge to the identity they claimed – that of protectors of the Christian community,' he added. Charbel Jabbour, head of communications for the Lebanese Forces, said Abdallah's release symbolically helps close the chapter on Lebanon's civil conflict. 'The war era is over – completely over. Abdallah served his sentence and is being released,' he told FRANCE 24. 'The civil war chapter must be permanently closed. Anything else is unacceptable.' Outside of ideological and political circles, Abdallah's return has generated limited buzz among Lebanon's younger population. For many, his name is unfamiliar – a symbol of a different era, eclipsed by today's crises: economic collapse, political gridlock and mass emigration. Still, his face now adorns posters and social media feeds once again, and he is often depicted not as a militant but as a man who stood by his convictions – regardless of the consequences. 'He's a hero for some, yes. But to others he is not, and to many he is from a time they never lived through,' said one historian, who requested anonymity.
Arab Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Arab Times
Egypt hails Kuwait as a cultural and media beacon of the Arab world
CAIRO, July 24: Kuwait has long stood as a beacon of intellectual, cultural, and media leadership in the Gulf region, and its designation as the Arab Capital of Culture and Media for 2025 further solidifies its role in shaping the Arab world's cultural identity. Recognized for its enduring contributions to creativity, literature, journalism, and performing arts, Kuwait has fostered generations of writers, artists, and thinkers. From publishing the first Gulf newspapers to hosting landmark theater festivals and producing groundbreaking television dramas, Kuwait has continuously enriched Arab cultural life. This prestigious selection by Arab cultural bodies highlights Kuwait's sustained efforts in promoting culture, media, and intellectual dialogue, reinforcing its position as a regional hub for cultural exchange and communication. It also reflects Arab appreciation for Kuwait's initiatives in preserving heritage and supporting education and cultural development. Speaking to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Dr. Tarek Saada, member of Egypt's Senate and head of the Egyptian Media Syndicate, emphasized that Kuwait's selection underscores its status as "an intellectual and media platform with broad Arab influence." He praised Kuwait's foundational role in journalism, theater, and television in the Gulf, crediting the country's political leadership for its unwavering support of cultural initiatives. Dr. Saada also highlighted the opportunity this recognition presents to boost Arab cooperation and coordination in addressing shared cultural and political challenges. He pointed to the robust media partnership between Egypt and Kuwait as a model of bilateral cooperation, particularly in advocating for key Arab causes such as the Palestinian issue and regional security. According to Saada, efforts are underway to deepen this partnership. Kuwaiti media organizations have been officially invited to explore new avenues for collaboration, including training, artificial intelligence applications in media, and enhancing journalistic narratives. A draft protocol to formalize these joint initiatives is currently being prepared by the Egyptian Media Syndicate. Echoing this sentiment, Radwa Hashem, spokesperson for Egypt's Ministry of Culture, described Kuwait's selection as a well-earned recognition of its media legacy and longstanding support for Arab causes. "Kuwait has always served as a platform for dialogue and enlightenment," she said, citing its pioneering contributions to print, visual, and audio media. Hashem emphasized the strategic role of media in shaping public awareness and fostering unity, advocating for new pan-Arab platforms and collaborative initiatives. She also expressed hope for launching a joint digital platform to promote Arab culture and safeguard the region's shared heritage. Turning to Kuwaiti-Egyptian cultural ties, Hashem highlighted the deep-rooted relationship between the two nations and the promising potential for collaboration in documentary and drama productions, as well as joint cultural weeks. She concluded by stating that Kuwait's selection presents a valuable opportunity to celebrate Arab identity, promote shared cultural values, and invest in modern platforms that preserve and revitalize Arab artistic and intellectual treasures. The announcement marks a significant milestone for Kuwait, affirming its leadership in the cultural and media fields and setting the stage for expanded regional cooperation and innovation in the years to come.
L'Orient-Le Jour
6 days ago
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Lebanese journalist Hajar Knio questioned over alleged 'collaboration with Israel,' accusation she denies
BEIRUT — Lebanese journalist and activist Hajar Knio was questioned Wednesday morning by the General Security Intelligence Branch under an order from Judge Fadi Akiki, assistant government commissioner to the military court, over allegations of 'collaborating with Israel,' a charge she denies, according to Jad Shahrour, communications officer for the Samir Kassir Foundation. Shahrour noted that 'it seems that her arrest is similar to previous arrests of journalists working for al-Arabiyah or Hadath.' Knio had previously worked for the Saudi Al-Hadath channel, based in the United Arab Emirates and is currently an independent freelance journalist, according to her social media platforms. Shahrour noted that although the 'Lebanese law forbids Lebanese nationals from interacting with Israel, sometimes journalists working for international or pan-Arab outlets might not have a choice to do so. Similarly, if a Lebanese journalist is attending a conference abroad and an Israeli journalist attends, and the Israeli journalist decides to greet the Lebanese journalist, how can one control such situations?' However, he noted that Knio 'said that she never contacted Israeli journalists or anyone from Israel and that all the information from her reports that she would get, she would be citing Israeli journalists from information she got from the press not by contacting them herself.' Lebanon and Israel are officially in a state of war, and Lebanese law strictly prohibits any contact with Israeli authorities. Such actions are considered crimes, punishable by imprisonment. Over the years, numerous individuals have been arrested for alleged collaboration with Israel, with sentences reaching up to 25 years in prison. 'I challenge anyone to prove even a single word accusing me of communicating with an Israeli ' In a Tuesday article, a judicial source told al-Modon that "a security-related arrest and investigation notice has been issued against her," noting that Lebanon's General Security detained Knio upon her arrival late Monday night from Dubai on a Middle East Airlines (MEA) flight to Beirut. Knio was not immediately available to respond to L'Orient Today's calls for further comment. In a statement to al-Modon on Tuesday, Knio said she was unaware of the reason for her detention, as no charges were communicated to her. She described her experience: 'I arrived at Beirut airport around midnight and waited for over an hour in line to get my passport stamped. When I reached the General Security officer and he scanned my passport, he asked me if I had any issues with anyone. I said no. Then they took me into a small room, waiting for the General Security's judicial bulletin results.' She continued: 'After a few minutes, they brought me my bags and told me that if someone was waiting for me outside, they should leave, because I was being detained based on an arrest warrant issued by Judge Fadi Akiki.' Knio said she asked the officer what crime she was accused of, but he replied that he did not know. 'At 9 a.m., after they had brought in a patrol car to take me to the military court, they changed their minds and released me, but confiscated both my Lebanese and Emirati phones, as well as my laptop. They instructed me to report the next day, Wednesday at 10 a.m., to the General Security Investigation Branch at the National Museum.' Knio reaffirmed that she had no idea why she was detained: 'I'm a journalist. I worked for al-Arabiya for years, conducted investigations, and produced documentaries, some of which tackled drug networks and Captagon production. I now work independently on my own platforms.' She concluded: 'I challenge anyone to prove even a single word accusing me of communicating with an Israeli or any internal or external intelligence agency. I will attend the investigation with a team of lawyers to see the file, which appears to be fabricated against me, and I'm ready to face them.' Targeting of journalists 'no longer justifiable' In response, the organization Journalists for Freedom condemned Knio's detention in the strongest terms. In a statement, the group said: 'These practices, which have increasingly targeted journalists and activists, are no longer justifiable or tolerable. They carry a retaliatory and vindictive nature aimed at silencing and intimidating dissenting voices, all within a broader climate of repression and contempt for the law. For such actions to be initiated by a judicial authority, which is supposed to protect rights, not violate them — is a dangerous sign of the erosion of freedoms in Lebanon.' The group called on the President, Prime Minister and Minister of Justice to address the incident, warning that 'the image of the state is being damaged by these blatant violations, which erode public trust in the judiciary and state institutions.' In January, Lebanese journalist Layal Ikhtiyar was briefly detained upon arriving in Beirut, following a military court summons over her interview with Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee on al-Arabiya, aired from Dubai after the war in Gaza began. She was questioned by Judge Fadi Sawwan and released the same day
L'Orient-Le Jour
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Nâdiya: I camped with UN Peacekeepers in South Lebanon
Mr. and Mrs. Zighem have always watched Lebanese television. This Algerian couple often tuned in to LBCI and, in the 2000s, never missed an episode of the pan-Arab "Star Academy."Sometimes, to their surprise, they would see their young Nadia, energetic and proud, electrifying the audience with her martial the time, their daughter was shining in France, and even beyond. Not as Nadia Zighem, but as "Nâdiya." Why that spelling? Nâdi, in Arabic, means "the one who calls." Ya, a particle used before Allah to address him..."There you go!" smiles the artist as she provides the explanation to this predictable, slightly silly question. Mystical references slip into every answer from the singer, an icon of a generation, who is making a comeback at age from the hip-hop aesthetic of her famous...
Egypt Independent
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
President Sisi reaffirms Egypt's unwavering support to AL
CAIRO, July 20 (MENA) – President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Sunday reiterated Egypt's commitment to supporting the Arab League, in light of the pan-Arab body's pivotal role in promoting joint Arab action and closing Arab ranks to overcome region's complex and unprecedented challenges. This came during president Sisi's meeting with Secretary General of the Arab League of Arab Ahmed Abul Gheit. The meeting addressed the latest developments pertinent to Arab crises and issues, mainly the situation in Gaza Strip and the West Bank, as well as the massive efforts being made by Egypt and Qatar to reach a ceasefire and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, according to Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed el Shennawi. The meeting tackled prospects of pursuing a just and comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian cause through the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, in accordance with international legitimacy, the protection of the rights of the Palestinian people and the prevention of their displacement. The meeting also touched on the latest developments in Syria and Libya, in addition to the situation in Sudan and the ongoing efforts to restore security and stability there. The meeting tackled the political and security situations in the Horn of Africa and the security of the Red Sea. For his part, Abul Gheit commended Egypt's wise stances, which contribute to restoring security and stability in the Middle East, especially through its support for a just and final solution to the Palestinian issue, as the only path to achieving lasting and comprehensive peace in the region. (MENA)
