BEIRUT (AP) — Lebanon's acting justice minister has filed a court case against a newspaper publisher, accusing him of harming relations with Saudi Arabia.
Charles Ayyoub, the publisher and managing editor of Al-Diyar daily, wrote a column blaming Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for 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 the terms "dogs" and "pigs" 22 times in describing the two Saudi officials.
Acting Justice Minister Selim 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.
