Mother of Murdered Journalist Abeer Rahal Demands Justice and Removal of Defamatory Content from Social Media
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the mother of slain journalist Abeer Rahal, Mrs. Bahija Hassan Qandal, has taken legal action to protect the dignity of her daughter and her family. Through her lawyer,Rafiq Uri Gharizi,Mrs. Qandal has filed a formal complaint with the Public Prosecution of Appeal in Mount Lebanon, demanding the removal of all videos and photos related to Abeer’s murder from social media platforms. The complaint also seeks prosecution against those responsible for disseminating the defamatory content,which has caused immense psychological harm to Abeer’s three children and tarnished her reputation.
The Horrific crime
On December 26, 2024, Lebanon was shaken by a brutal crime. Abeer Rahal, a respected journalist and mother of three, was shot in the head at close range by her husband, Khalil Masoud, in front of the courthouse in Shehim, Iqlim al-Kharroub. The murder occurred amid ongoing personal disputes between the couple. Just two hours after the killing, Khalil posted a video on his Facebook account, defaming Abeer and attempting to justify his actions. In the video, he accused her of infidelity, labeled her as “of little origin,” and claimed she was indifferent to her family and children.
The video quickly went viral, spreading across social media platforms and drawing widespread attention in Lebanon and neighboring countries. Despite the sensitivity of the case, many pages reposted the video without verifying its authenticity, either to defend Khalil or to gain followers at the expense of Abeer’s dignity.
The Legal Battle
Mrs. Qandal’s complaint highlights the devastating impact of the defamatory content on Abeer’s children and family. It states, “Everything that has been published is pure lies and misleading of public opinion, and aims to distort the reputation of the betrayed firstly, to distort the reputation of Lebanese society secondly, and to justify the killing of women thirdly.”
the complaint invokes Articles 385 and 582 of the lebanese Penal Code, which address defamation, slander, and contempt. Article 385 defines defamation as “the attribution of something to a person,even in the context of doubt or question,that undermines his honor or dignity.” Article 582 stipulates penalties of up to three months in prison and a fine of up to 200,000 Lebanese pounds for defamation.
Mrs. Qandal’s legal team has requested the following actions:
- Prosecution of individuals involved in spreading defamatory content.
- Immediate removal of all posts and videos related to Abeer’s murder.
- Compensation for legal fees and damages.
The Broader Implications
This case has reignited debates about domestic violence,gender-based violence,and the misuse of social media in Lebanon. Abeer Rahal’s murder is a stark reminder of the dangers women face, even in public spaces. The viral spread of defamatory content underscores the need for stricter regulations on social media platforms to prevent the exploitation of victims and their families.
Key Points Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Victim | Abeer Rahal, journalist and mother of three |
| Perpetrator | Khalil Masoud, her husband |
| Date of Crime | December 26, 2024 |
| Location | Shehim, Iqlim al-Kharroub, lebanon |
| Legal Action | Complaint filed by Mrs. Bahija Hassan Qandal |
| Key Legal Articles | Articles 385 and 582 of the Lebanese penal Code |
| Social Media Impact | Viral spread of defamatory content harming Abeer’s family |
Call to Action
The case of abeer Rahal is a tragic reminder of the urgent need for societal and legal reforms to protect women and hold perpetrators accountable. Share this story to raise awareness about the dangers of domestic violence and the misuse of social media. Let us honor Abeer’s memory by advocating for justice and dignity for all victims of gender-based violence.
For more details on the case, visit this report.
