Lebanon accuses editor of harming Saudi ties

Beirut- Lebanon’s acting justice minister has filed a court case against a newspaper publisher, accusing him of harming relations with Saudi Arabia.

Charles Ayoub, the publisher and managing editor of Al Diyar daily, wrote a column strongly critical of the kingdom on the issue of the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi and the deaths of civilians in Yemen. He called on the Saudi ambassador to leave Lebanon, and used derogatory terms to describe Saudi officials.

Acting Justice Minister Salim Jreissati on Tuesday asked the prosecutor general to initiate proceedings against Al Diyar, saying the article violated Lebanese law and endangered the country.

Saudi Arabia is closely allied with one of Lebanon’s main political blocs and has provided extensive financial aid to the country.