Historic Ruling in Lebanon: A Breakthrough for Torture Accountability

The State Shura Council of Lebanon has awarded Ziad Itani approximately 5,360 USD in reparations for torture suffered due to governmental negligence. This ruling represents a notable advancement in enforcing the country’s anti-torture law, which has been largely ignored since its ratification in 2017. Advocates call for future accountability and protection for torture survivors in light of this landmark decision.

On December 5, 2024, Lebanon’s State Shura Council ruled in favor of actor Ziad Itani, ordering the government to pay him approximately 5,360 USD for the torture and ill-treatment he suffered. This landmark decision is seen by Amnesty International as a critical step towards addressing impunity for torture in Lebanon. The ruling acknowledges the failure of Lebanese authorities to take appropriate action against the torture allegations raised by Itani.

Ziad Itani endured severe injustices, including false charges, solitary confinement, torture, and a denial of legal representation. Kristine Beckerle, Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International, commended Itani’s courage in seeking accountability and recognized the council’s decision as a significant advancement in implementing Lebanon’s 2017 anti-torture law. Despite the law’s initial adoption, it has faced consistent non-implementation by key actors for seven years.

This ruling comes in stark contrast to previous failures to hold responsible those who perpetrated torture, including a recent incident where the military court did not act against the torturers responsible for the death of Syrian refugee Bashar Abd Saud. Beckerle expressed hope that this decision serves as a catalyst for justice for torture survivors, urging Lebanese authorities to ensure accountability, protection from torture in detention, and effective remedies for victims of human rights abuses.

In August 2020, Itani’s lawyer initiated a complaint which led to this decision highlighting the state’s negligence in preventing torture and ensuring a fair investigation of such allegations. Itani was arrested in November 2017 on fabricated espionage charges and later acquitted in March 2018, following his detailed account of the abuse suffered during detention. Despite his civil lawsuit against torturers, the case did not progress to trial, prompting his claim for reparations with the Shura Council.

Lebanon’s anti-torture law was ratified in 2017, criminalizing torture and establishing essential rights for victims. However, it has significant limitations, particularly regarding the jurisdictional authority of military courts over torture allegations. Amnesty International continues to document unaddressed complaints regarding this law, stressing the need for substantial reforms and accountability to prevent future abuses.

The decision by Lebanon’s State Shura Council marks a pivotal moment in addressing the long-standing issues of torture and impunity within the country. It serves both as a recognition of Ziad Itani’s suffering and a call to action for Lebanese authorities to enforce anti-torture legislation effectively. This case may inspire other torture victims to come forward and seek justice, shaping a future where such injustices are addressed and prevented.

Original Source: www.amnesty.org