In a highly controversial move, the United States has recently announced the seizure of 13 web domains, raising concerns about freedom of speech. The US Department of Justice claimed that these domains were operated by individuals and groups subject to sanctions.
Among the targeted domains were the personal website of Hezbollah Deputy Secretary General, Sheikh Naim Qassem, the main website of the Islamic Resistance Support Association—a charity involved in fundraising and providing services in Lebanon—and websites affiliated with the resistance movement's Al-Manar TV.
According to court records, the US obtained authorization to seize domains such as manartv.net, manarnews.net, and naimkassem.net. Visitors attempting to access these domains are now greeted with a message stating, "This website has been seized," accompanied by the logos of the US FBI and Department of Commerce.
However, despite the US intervention, the moqawama.org website managed to reappear through an alternative link (moqawama.org.lb) mere hours after the initial attack.
This move by the United States has raised concerns about the impact on freedom of speech and the ability of sanctioned individuals and groups to express their views and engage with the public. It remains a contentious issue that highlights the ongoing debate surrounding online censorship and the balance between national security interests and the right to free expression.