by middleeastmonitor.com -- The Depositors Union of Lebanon and Accountability Now have submitted a legal petition to the Council of the European Union, the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the US Treasury requesting sanctions be imposed against ten Lebanese politicians, civil servants and banking executives who have failed in their public service mandates by pursuing their own private interests at the expense of the Lebanese people and state. A joint statement issued by the two groups on Monday said the request is in line with the European Union's sanctions framework issued in July 2021, while the 120-page petition sets out the legal justifications for the sanctions. In July 2021, the European Union approved a legal framework for a body of sanctions targeting Lebanese individuals and entities that affect "those responsible for undermining democracy and the rule of law in Lebanon."

The sanctions include a travel ban that prevents the entry or transit of persons on the sanctions list through EU member states, as well as financial penalties. The joint statement said: "After a thorough and serious evaluation, the European Union is called upon to impose sanctions against individuals who have undermined the implementation of plans approved by the Lebanese authorities, with the support of relevant international actors, as well as those involved in financial misconduct with respect to public funds, so long as the acts involved are covered by the United Nations Convention against Corruption." The statement added that theindividuals include current and former Lebanese MPs, members of the Council of Ministers, executives from private banks, and officials from the Central Bank of Lebanon.

by broadcastprome.com -- Lebanese film Farah, directed by Hassiba Freiha and Kenton Oxley, will release on Netflix. A project of Knockout Productions, Intuitive Features and MAD Solutions, Farah is set in Lebanon and stars Stephanie Atala alongside Majdi Machmouchi. The new psychological thriller explores themes of mental health, the role of big pharma, and the dynamics of a father-daughter relationship in modern Lebanon. The plot revolves around a pre-med student, Lina, who starts experiencing severe recurring nightmares, causing her to return home to Lebanon; a decision that sets her on a path to uncover a web of family secrets and ultimately a shattering truth. Farah puts a spotlight on the power of mind and body while delivering a cinematic journey depicting a collision between the modern Arab world and the region’s long-standing traditions.

Farah brings together a new generation of cast and crew shining alongside established household names. Stephanie Atala plays the role of ‘Lina’, the protagonist in Farah and performs a track in the film alongside UK music icon Boy George. Joining Stephanie in the role of Lina’s father is Lebanese powerhouse, Majdi Machmouchi, known for his roles in Esmoha La, In the Shadows of the City and Max w Antar alongside a range of notable television roles. The duo come together to depict a story that sheds light on Lebanon’s cultural revolution while posing challenging questions about inter-generational dynamics. Additional cast members include Nader Abd Alhay, Youssef Boulos, Pierrette Katrib, Janah Fakhoury, Josyane Boulos, Assaad Rechdan and Emirati director and writer, Hassiba Freiha herself.

By TAMARA TURKI -- arabnews.com -- LONDON: The Arab British Chamber of Commerce hosted the first Lebanese Designers Exhibition in London, celebrating the country’s culture and creatives with a variety of locally handcrafted artisan jewelry, clothing and art. The ABCC, established in 1975, aims to promote trade and investment between Britain and Arab countries. This exhibition focused on empowering Lebanese women by providing them with a platform to display their entrepreneurship in one of the world’s most famous shopping districts.

Rami Mortada, the Lebanese ambassador to the UK, described it as “an event of endurance against all odds.” Mortada said the designers displayed their worth with “defiance against all the circumstances prevailing in our country, Lebanon, and determination to never allow these hardships to take away the soul of the Lebanese people, which is a soul soaked in ingenuity and imagination.” Kuwaiti Ambassador to the UK Bader Al-Awadi, Algerian Ambassador to the UK Lounes Magramane and Saudi Arabian Cultural Attache Amal Fatani also attended the launch. Catching the eye of visitors was the display of LVNT, an online concept store curating products immersed in Levantine heritage and representing the best of the region’s handicraft.

Maronite Patriarch Bechara Al-Rahi criticizes inability of parliament to elect president after 8 sessions

By Najia Houssari -- arabnews.com -- BEIRUT: Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has called for a Cabinet meeting on Monday to deal with urgent matters in the country. He announced the move during a speech at the inauguration of the International Arab Book Fair in Beirut. The move has outraged Christian blocs in the Lebanese ruling class which consider it an unconstitutional step and an attempt to bypass the priority of electing a new president. Some eight electoral sessions have failed to procure a new president and the leadership vacuum has entered a second month.

Mikati confirmed that he had called the Cabinet to convene to try and tackle problems which, he said, were deemed important by ministers. An agenda comprising 65 items has been issued, although Mikati pledged in a parliamentary session held about a month ago not to call a Cabinet session amid the presidential vacuum, unless everyone agreed to the move. The decision raised concerns among members of the Free Patriotic Movement. The party denounced the invitation, fearing that the resigned government will carry out prerogatives reserved for the president. In an attempt to reassure those who are skeptical, Mikati said more than 40 items could be excluded from the agenda. He said: “We will only approve the matters that are deemed important and urgent by ministers. “It disappoints me when some people consider the meeting a sectarian move or an attempt that targets a specific group. “Do we discriminate when we provide assistance? What is being said is unacceptable.” Mikati added: “There’s a file related to cancer and dialysis patients that should be approved. “What our Cabinet does is perform governmental duties to serve the citizens. Whoever has an alternative can propose it.”