The Gulf Cooperation Council described the recent riot which assaulted Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper Beirut offices to resemble an act of cowardice, and a contradiction to the stipulations of international laws on journalistic freedom.

In a GCC statement, the council expressed its trust in the Lebanese security forces to uncover the details of the attack, arrest the perpetrators and present them to justice.

The statement also said that the people of Lebanon are fully aware of the effective and distinguished role the newspaper plays in supporting Lebanon via media and backing the Lebanese government for their spent efforts.