The United States State Department indicated in its 2021 annual report on human rights published Tuesday that Lebanon is experiencing "significant human rights problems'' and “serious restrictions on the freedom of expression and the media.”

Here’s what we know:

    • Regarding Lebanon, which has been struggling with an unprecedented economic crisis since 2019 that has also caused a deterioration in its security status, the report listed the following problems: "A serious political interference in the judicial system, serious restrictions on the freedom of expression and the media … severe restrictions on cyber freedom, refoulement of refugees to a country where they would face a threat to their life or freedom," as well as other issues, including serious high-level and widespread corruption and discrimination against people belonging to the queer community.

    • The report also tackled the investigation of the Aug. 4, 2020, Beirut port explosion, and discussed the political interference that has hindered the investigation.

    • “Palestinian security forces and militias, the foreign terrorist organization Hezbollah and other extremist elements operate outside direction or control from government officials,” the section of the report on Lebanon concluded. It also pointed out some “violations" committed by certain members of the security forces.

    • Human Rights Watch stated in its 2021 report on Lebanon that the country is experiencing a "dramatic" deterioration in its human rights situation.