Lebanon’s Freedom March: Unmasking the Truth Behind the Assault 

Investigation Urgently Needed into Violent Assault on Protesters in Lebanon

Failure to Protect Protesters

Amnesty International has called for an urgent investigation into a violent assault on protesters during a freedom march in Lebanon. The march, organized by over 24 civil society organizations, aimed to protest recent crackdowns on personal and political freedoms in the country. Disturbing video evidence and eyewitness testimonies suggest that security forces, namely the Internal Security Forces (ISF), failed to protect the protesters from a premeditated attack by dozens of assailants on motorcycles. The attackers threw stones at the protesters, shouted homophobic insults, and physically assaulted them for nearly an hour. Two protesters were hospitalized due to injuries sustained during the violence.

Abject Failure of Security Forces

Amnesty International’s Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Heba Morayef, has expressed shock at the inadequate response of the security forces. Despite the violent assault on peaceful protesters, no arrests have been made, and some of the attackers have even openly bragged about their actions on social media. This lack of accountability and justice only emboldens future perpetrators and threatens the safety of those who dare to exercise their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

Obligation to Protect Peaceful Demonstrators

The Lebanese authorities, including the Ministry of Interior, have an obligation to ensure that peaceful demonstrators are not intimidated, harassed, or subjected to violence for expressing their legitimate demands and exercising their rights. Failure to investigate this incident would signal a tolerance for such attacks and create a dangerous atmosphere for anyone expressing their perceived identity and beliefs. The authorities must act swiftly to address this issue and send a clear message that such acts of violence will not be tolerated in Lebanon.

Urgent Investigation Needed

The lack of response from the ISF and the Ministry of Interior is deeply concerning. It is crucial that a thorough and independent investigation be conducted to identify the attackers and hold them accountable for their actions. Such an investigation should also examine the failure of the security forces to intervene and protect the protesters. The authorities must make a concerted effort to bring justice to the victims and ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future.

Fear and Retaliation

The fear of retaliation and the risks associated with filing complaints have deterred some victims from seeking justice. One protester, who was severely beaten, expressed concerns about being targeted if he were to file a complaint. This fear underscores the broader issue of the deteriorating situation in Lebanon, where political and religious leaders have been escalating their rhetoric against the LGBTI community and curbing personal freedoms. The rise in such rhetoric contributes to an environment of fear and intolerance, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to seek justice.

A Failed State

The protester’s remark about living in a “failed state” reflects the deteriorating political and social climate in Lebanon. The government’s failure to protect its citizens and address human rights violations erodes public trust and undermines the rule of law. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive political reforms and strong institutions that can ensure the protection of basic rights and freedoms for all Lebanese citizens.

Infringement on Freedoms

The recent crackdowns on personal and political freedoms in Lebanon, particularly targeting the LGBTI community, are deeply concerning. Political and religious leaders have engaged in a campaign against the LGBTI community, with the minister of interior imposing bans on gatherings during Pride month and prominent figures calling for violence against LGBTI people. The Ministry of Education has even banned a board game because it depicted a rainbow. These actions not only infringe upon the rights of the LGBTI community but also undermine the principles of freedom of expression, assembly, and association enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which Lebanon ratified in 1972.

Long-Term Consequences of Inaction

Failure to address these violations of personal and political freedoms not only threatens the safety and well-being of marginalized communities but also undermines the fabric of Lebanese society as a whole. The lack of accountability for these attacks reinforces a culture of impunity, where those who seek to suppress dissent can act without fear of consequences. This has far-reaching implications for the future of Lebanon‘s democracy and the inclusivity of its society.

Recommendations for Lebanese Authorities

Amnesty International’s call for an urgent investigation should be heeded by the Lebanese authorities. It is crucial that the authorities take immediate steps to ensure the safety of individuals exercising their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Additionally, measures should be taken to address the underlying issues that have allowed such attacks to occur, such as the rise in discriminatory rhetoric and the erosion of personal freedoms. The Lebanese government must reaffirm its commitment to human rights and work towards creating an inclusive and tolerant society.

In conclusion, the violent assault on protesters in Lebanon highlights the urgent need for accountability, justice, and the protection of basic rights and freedoms. The authorities must investigate the incident thoroughly, hold the perpetrators accountable, and take concrete steps to address the broader issues contributing to the deteriorating situation in the country. Only through a commitment to human rights and the rule of law can Lebanon reclaim its standing as a beacon of freedom in the region.

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