Authorities close down anti-Syrian Christian TV station

Описание: (5 Sep 2002)

DAY SHOTS
1. Wide shot of Murr Television (MTV) Christian broadcasting building
2. Closer shot MTV tower
3. Security forces around entrance to MTV
4. Soldier seals with wax notice on barrier to say company closed by order of court
5. Close up notice on barrier
6. Transmission mast on top of TV building
7. Wider shot television tower
8. Wide shot crowds demonstrating in street outside (employees and supporters of MTV) against closure of station
9. Mid shot crowds
10. Weeping woman is led way
11. Crowd chanting, protesting against closure of station
12. Various of crowds clashing with security forces

NIGHT SHOTS
13. Various of MTV supporters lighting candles in support of station
14. Closer up candles
15. Security forces standing by in case of trouble

STORYLINE:

Lebanese authorities on Wednesday closed "for good" a leading Christian opposition television station for violating an elections law prohibiting propaganda.

Security officials said policemen went into the Murr Television building in Beirut, the Lebanese capital, and informed its owner Gabriel Murr and employees that the station had been closed by a court order.

Murr's Mount Lebanon radio station has been closed for the same reason.

The station went off the air shortly after 5 pm (1400 GMT). Police then surrounded the MTV building, and kept passers-by and reporters at a distance.

There were some scuffles as some people tried to break through the security cordon. The only people allowed inside were some Christian members of the Lebanese parliament, who met with Gabriel Murr.

Murr said he respected the law's decision, but called the closure "a clear political move", and claimed his station had simply called for improved democratic practices during elections.

MTV, which has been critical of the Lebanese and the Syrian governments, was charged last month with violating a law that prohibits broadcasting material deemed to be propaganda at the time of elections.

The channel was accused of supporting Murr when he won a hotly contested by-election in June against his niece Mirna Murr.

Gabriel Murr is the brother - and political foe - of former Interior Minister Michel Murr and the uncle of current Interior Minister Elias Murr.

The station faced charges last month that it harmed Lebanon's relations with Syria, the country's bigger neighbour that wields considerable influence in Lebanon, where it stations thousands of troops.

Lebanon has eight television stations and several have close ties to the country's 18 religious sects.

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