Lebanese Press Syndicate Gives American Envoy an Ultimatum: Public Apology or Boycott

The statement by American envoy Thomas Barrack sparked outrage among the media community in Lebanon after he described the behavior of journalists at the presidential palace as "animalistic," prompting the Lebanese Press Editors Syndicate to issue a strongly worded statement demanding a public and immediate apology.

The syndicate considered Barrack's remarks to be "beyond the bounds of propriety and diplomacy," affirming that the insult to the Lebanese press will not go unnoticed. They added that continued disregard for an apology would lead them to boycott visits and meetings with the American envoy as a first step, sending a clear message that "the dignity of the press is not cheap."

The statement made by Barrack during a press conference at the Baabda Palace triggered a wave of discontent on social media platforms after he addressed journalists in a harsh tone, saying: "Be quiet for a moment... the moment the situation becomes chaotic and animalistic, we will leave."