Rabiaa Zayyat Sparks Controversy for Opening Closed Shops to Shelter Displaced

Lebanese journalist and TV host Rabiaa Zayyat is once again at the center of controversy after a viral video showed her forcing open closed shops to shelter displaced people.

With approximately 1.2 million people displaced from their homes, Zayyat took matters into her own hands to provide shelter for those in need, even if it meant breaking into private property. While some have praised her humanitarian efforts, others have criticized her actions as unlawful, sparking a heated debate online.

The Lebanese constitution upholds property rights as a fundamental principle, but the harsh reality is that many displaced individuals have nowhere to go. Zayyat’s actions, though well-intentioned, have sparked debate about the limits of such interventions.

While some viewed her efforts as a necessary response in a crisis, others have condemned them as a publicity stunt, accusing her of exploiting the situation for viral attention.

Those supporting Zayyat argued that desperate times call for desperate measures, pointing out that the displaced lack the resources to secure shelter. They see her actions as a temporary solution in an emergency. Others, however, interpreted her actions as setting a dangerous precedent. One user commented, “If everyone starts doing this, chaos will follow. This is not a solution.”

This isn’t the first time Rabiaa Zayyat has sparked controversy. A day after the Beirut blast in 2020, she was criticized for partaking in a photoshoot near the blast site.

In response to the backlash, she posted a video addressing the criticism. She stated that she does not condone breaking into private or public property without permission. In the original video, when questioned about her actions, Zayyat jokingly responded that the ‘state’ had given her permission.

However, she later clarified that she had permission to open certain shops owned by Intra Company to displaced individuals.

Here are some of the reactions on X (or Twitter) to the situation:

The underlying humanitarian crisis in Lebanon cannot be overlooked. While Zayyat’s intentions may be rooted in empathy, her actions raise significant concerns about the legal and social implications of encouraging citizens to take such measures. If individuals begin to take it upon themselves to open closed shops, we could see a rise in civil unrest, a situation we can ill afford, particularly when the innocent often bear the brunt of such conflicts.

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