Lebanese TV satire pulled after “Angry Birds” parody of Hezbollah leader triggers legal action

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Lebanon 03-05-2026 | 13:23

Lebanese TV satire pulled after “Angry Birds” parody of Hezbollah leader triggers legal action

A satirical video broadcast by LBCI was removed under legal pressure after portraying a Hezbollah figure in a playful animated style, fueling polarized reactions and concerns over sectarian sensitivity in public discourse.
Annahar
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Lebanese TV satire pulled after “Angry Birds” parody of Hezbollah leader triggers legal action
Screenshot from the video inspired by the game "Angry Birds".
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A cartoon video broadcast by the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation (LBCI) sparked widespread controversy in Lebanon after it included a satirical depiction of Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem in a style inspired by the game Angry Birds. The channel later deleted the video following a judicial order.

 

 

Snapshot from the video.
Snapshot from the video.

 

 

The decision came following directives from Public Prosecutor Judge Ahmad Rami Al-Haj, on the grounds that the content was considered offensive by supporters, particularly due to its depiction of a religious figure in a satirical context.

 

 

The controversy quickly escalated into a widespread debate on social media, where outrage turned into counter-campaigns targeting Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros al-Rahi and Christian religious symbols, raising concerns about increasing sectarian tensions.

 

 

In contrast, religious and political groups condemned these campaigns, warning of their repercussions on civil peace, and stressing the need to impose restrictions on freedom of expression to prevent it from slipping into hate speech.

Tags
Naim Qassem ، Judiciary ، Lebanon ، Hezbollah ، Patriarch al-Rahi ، parody ، Angry Birds