Misinformation Flares Amidst Lebanon’s Arms Debate
Fact Check Debunks False Claims Linking Restaurant Celebration to Political Tensions
A photograph circulating online falsely alleged a political demonstration in Beirut, claiming “black shirts” gathered to intimidate the Lebanese government. However, investigations reveal the image depicts a harmless celebration.
Restaurant’s Milestone Ignites False Narrative
The image, purportedly showing a gathering of “black shirts” at the southern entrance to Beirut, was shared with claims of an attempt to prevent government decisions on disarmament. These allegations are entirely untrue.
The reality behind the viral photo is a festive occasion for the “Tayeb Farouj” restaurant’s main branch in Khaldeh. Employees were celebrating a significant milestone: reaching one million followers on their Instagram account.
Context of Political Discussions
The misinformation campaign coincided with a crucial Lebanese Council of Ministers session on Tuesday. The agenda reportedly included decisions on the timeline for state control over weaponry. French sources, however, expressed skepticism about immediate final decisions on limiting Hezbollah’s arsenal.
Parliament Speaker **Nabih Berri** reportedly supports the participation of Shiite ministers in the session, emphasizing coordination with President **Joseph Aoun**. Meanwhile, a Shiite deputy indicated that even if four ministers from the “Duo” faction were absent, a fifth minister would still attend, underscoring the session’s importance.
This session was preceded by marches in southern Beirut suburbs and heightened military presence. Hezbollah had also released a video reinforcing its commitment to its armed status, framing it as the “main option.”
Unveiling the Truth: A Culinary Celebration
However, the circulated photograph has no connection to these political developments. An official from the “Taib Farouj” restaurant confirmed to reporters that the image captured their celebration of reaching one million Instagram followers.
The restaurant had posted a video on its social media accounts commemorating the achievement. The caption expressed gratitude, stating, “We have become a million… Not only followers of a million love stories, a million delicious meals, and a million moments of fatigue that turned to success, a million thanks to our dear fans, and a million thanks to our wonderful team that came from 7 am and the heart of the celebration was.”
Numerous users also shared pictures and videos of the restaurant’s celebration on Facebook, further attesting to the event’s true nature. For instance, the restaurant itself shared a celebratory video on its Facebook page.
This incident highlights the rapid spread of misinformation, particularly during sensitive political periods. As of late 2023, reports indicate that around 60% of Lebanese adults reported seeing or hearing false news online in the past week, according to a study by the American University of Beirut (AUB 2023 Digital Misinformation Report).
