Source: Hizbolllah Site Staff, 29-08-2009

Hizbullah denounces the campaign targeting Ayatollah Fadlallah: it shows the level of decline political life and discourse have reached in Lebanon

Hizbullah issued the following statement:

"According to the logic of freedom of speech everyone has the right to discuss the stances launched by Grand Ayatollah Sayyed Mohammad Hussein Fadlallah, be it regarding Lebanon's glory, to whom it was given, or regarding topics such as participation in government, ruling majority and numerical democracy. The commentator can either accept or reject these ideas. However, unfortunately during the last two days we have witnessed comments and responses that exceeded the limits of courtesy and good manners, as it used harsh expressions and deliberately proceeded to personal abuse ignoring the position, standing and symbolic place His Eminence represents nationally and on the broader Islamic level."

The statement said: "We in Hizbullah deplore and condemn this organised media campaign against His Eminence, which in truth expresses the level of decadence to which the political discourse and even political life has reached in Lebanon when restraints, values and respect towards such positions no longer exist."

The statement added: "We in Hizbullah believe that engaging in discussion and dialogue with any religious position or authority is a normal matter, it is also normal and natural to accept or reject the views and stances of this or that religious authority, but for some, whoever they may be, to offend the dignity of others is something we definitely reject."
"It is according to this view that the political stances made by the Patriarch of Bkirki are discussed, and subsequently either accepted or rejected, without any of this being offensive to the dignity of his position."

Hizbullah concluded its statement, saying: "We call for a re-refinement of the political and media arenas, to clear them of inappropriate speech and to preserve the religious positions of all confessions and followers of different faiths, while retaining the right to discussion and dialogue, acceptance and rejection of any opinion. As this is the Lebanon, we all claim to care about them."