BEIRUT – Amnesty International has strongly criticized the sexist attitude of a number of Lebanese Parliamentarians and of the speaker of the lower chamber, Nabih Berri, against the few elected female colleagues. “It is shameful that female elected members of the Parliament, particularly those who are critical of the government, are harassed by their male colleagues and the President of the chamber himself”, is written in an Amnesty press release.

The international organization refers to a series of actions that culminated in yesterday’s Parliamentary session in Beirut, when Halime Kaakour was abruptly silenced (‘Sit down and be quiet!) By Nabih Berri, while her colleague Cynthia Zarazir was insulted by FMP party member, Kabalan Kabalan. Zarazir had denounced a defamation campaign carried out against her, stating that unknown persons had placed copies of Playboy magazine and used condoms in her office di lei. The Presidency of the Parliament denied any responsibility in the incident. According to Amnesty International “Parliament elected officials and, in particular Nabih Berri, must take responsibility and put an end to these abuses against women and stopping the encouragement of an environment hostile toward women”.

After legislative elections last May, eight women were elected to the Parliament, marking a record in the country’s history. However, the Parliament, with its 128 members, remains a male-dominated institution.