Richa Says When Accountability Fades, Criminality Is Normalized

Patrick Richa, the head of the Kataeb's Media Department, articulated his views on the current state of Lebanon's political landscape, highlighting the stark divisions within the country. He contended that Lebanon is split between two narratives: one advocating for sovereignty and prioritizing Lebanese issues, and another that aligns itself with regional axes.

According to Richa, this ongoing struggle has turned the media into a victim caught in the crossfire of political discord.

In an interview on Voice of Lebanon radio station, Richa emphasized that Lebanese media is both pioneering and essential, especially in a nation that enjoys a great deal of freedom but has limited democracy. He noted that there is a persistent effort by those who feel threatened to suppress freedom of expression.

Richa asserted that the Kataeb-affiliated media outlets possess a clear stance on current issues.

"We are not neutral; we have an opinion. Our coverage of the news is grounded in absolute realism and objectivity," he stated, emphasizing that the perspective of the Kataeb's media outlets is squarely against the ongoing war, advocating for a ceasefire, the assumption of state responsibilities, and the deployment of the army across all Lebanese territories.

However, Richa pointed out the significant challenges facing the media landscape in Lebanon as he highlighted a troubling trend of cyberattacks targeting Kataeb websites recently, noting that the voice of the Kataeb Party is often seen as vexing by some.

"These practices are something we are accustomed to, occurring daily, even if they are not always visible to the public. It is a method to silence the free voice," he explained.

When asked about the role of the Ministry of Information, Richa expressed his skepticism about granting it excessive authority, particularly if it operates in a politicized manner under a minister with clear political affiliations. He stressed the need for transparency and accountability within the media framework.

Richa also commented on the difficulty of exposing those behind false news. He indicated that while uncovering such individuals requires techniques that security agencies possess, the Kataeb Party has frequently turned to the judiciary and security bodies for recourse, only to be met with unsatisfactory outcomes. He lamented that these violations continue unabated due to a lack of deterrents, stating that "in a time of unaccountability, criminality is normalized."