On August 2, 2012, following its removal from Facebook and of its apps from Apple and Google (see MEMRI Special Dispatch No. 4862, "MEMRI Report on Hizbullah's Use Of U.S. Social Media Companies Leads To Facebook, Apple, Google Removing Their Content; Twitter And YouTube Still In Violation Of U.S. Law," August 2, 2012, MEMRI Report on Hizbullah's Use Of U.S. Social Media Companies Leads To Facebook, Apple, Google Removing Their Content; Twitter And YouTube Still In Violation Of U.S. Law), Hizbullah's Al-Manar TV reported on the matter on its website and on the channel.
The website report stated that the channel is fighting a "real battle of existence... on the Web and modern networks of communication." It added that "managers at 'Resistance and Liberation Channel' [i.e. Al-Manar] were not surprised by the news." [1]
Noting that "Hizbullah media represents the biggest danger" and so was fought "through disrupting its electronic media," the report added that "one of Al-Manar website supervisors explained that 'the media war began as soon as we signed up for the Facebook site about five years ago. Five accounts were deactivated during this period.'" It continued, "It is noteworthy that Facebook administration sent a message 'to inform us about the deactivation of our account under the pretext of promoting for misappropriate content..."
Also on August 2, Al-Manar broadcast a report on the removal by Apple and Google, that included statements by Al-Manar TV Director-General Abdallah Qasir and Abd Al-Hadi Mahfouz, president of the Lebanese National Media Council. The following is the transcript of the report:
To view this clip on MEMRI TV, visit http://www.memri.org/legacy/clip/3517
"A New Attempt To Curb Al-Manar's Message Of Resistance"
Anchor: "Let's begin with the Israeli incitement against Al-Manar TV, which led to the removal of Al-Manar mobile apps by Apple and Google. Al-Manar TV emphasized that its news services would reach its viewers through other means. The relevant unions and institutions in Lebanon condemned the immoral decision against Al-Manar."
Reporter: "Al-Manar TV is once again targeted by America and Israel. The removal of the channel's mobile apps from the Google and Apple stores is a new attempt to curb Al-Manar's message of resistance."[...]
"This Indicates That Al-Manar Has the Ability To Cause Great Harm To Israel"
Al-Manar TV Director-General Abdallah Qasir: "This indicates that Al-Manar TV has the ability to cause great harm to Israel, and that Israel is extremely annoyed by Al-Manar becoming so widespread and by its great credibility. Israel cannot even bear to see the Al-Manar icon on smartphones."
Abd Al-Hadi Mahfouz, president of the Lebanese National Media Council: "This move contradicts all laws pertaining to radio and television, to the exercising of media liberties, and to the right of citizens, Western and Arab alike, to information." [...]
"We Will Find New Ways To Allow the Viewer To Download This Service"
Abdallah Qasir: "For whoever wants to download a new [app] icon, we will find new ways to allow the viewer to download this service, even if the [media] companies prevent this."
Abd Al-Hadi Mahfouz: "The assault on Al-Manar TV constitutes an assault on Lebanese sovereignty. The Lebanese state, the Lebanese government, must take action."
Reporter: "The head of the Lebanese IT Association, Rabi' Al-Ba'lbaki, warned against such measures against the Lebanese media. In a phone call with Al-Manar TV, he called to boycott the two companies, if they do not restore the service." [...]
[1] www3.almanar.com/lb, August 2, 2012.
