Lebanon’s State Shura Council ruled in favor of actor Ziad Itani, ordering a payment of 480 million Lebanese Liras in reparations due to the government’s failure to protect him from torture. This decision is viewed as a critical step in combating the longstanding issue of torture in Lebanon. Amnesty International highlighted the importance of this ruling in promoting accountability and justice for torture survivors.
The decision by Lebanon’s State Shura Council to award actor Ziad Itani 480 million Lebanese Liras (approximately $5,360 USD) in reparations highlights a significant moment in the fight against torture. This ruling came in response to the failure of Lebanese authorities to prevent and properly investigate Itani’s allegations of torture while in detention. Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for MENA, Kristine Beckerle, emphasized that this ruling could signal an end to long-standing impunity for torture in Lebanon.
Ziad Itani endured severe injustices, including detention based on false charges, isolation, torture, and denial of legal representation. Beckerle praised his courage in seeking accountability and noted that the Shura Council’s acknowledgment of his suffering represents a crucial step towards enforcing Lebanon’s 2017 anti-torture law, which has been largely ignored since its enactment.
The military court in Lebanon notably failed to hold those accountable for the torture-related death of Syrian refugee Bashar Abd Saud in November 2024. Despite this, the Shura Council’s ruling provides hope for victims of torture, urging authorities to ensure accountability for perpetrators, protection for detainees, and appropriate remedies for human rights violations.
In August 2020, Itani’s legal team filed a complaint with the State Shura Council. The ruling issued on December 5, 2024, confirms the government’s negligence in protecting individuals from torture and ensuring thorough investigations and prosecutions of such acts. Itani was initially arrested on fabricated spying charges in November 2017 and described the torture he faced when presented before a Military Judge; however, no investigations were initiated at that time.
Following his acquittal in March 2018, Itani pursued a civil lawsuit related to the torture accusations, which never progressed to trial. Subsequently, he sought reparations from the State Shura Council. Lebanon ratified an anti-torture law in October 2017, mandating the condemnation of torture and establishing protections for victims. However, limitations exist, such as a lack of clarity regarding the jurisdiction of the Military Court over torture cases. Since the law’s passage, Amnesty International has noted numerous complaints that remained uninvestigated and unresolved.
The Shura Council’s decision is a pivotal movement toward addressing and mitigating injustices related to torture in Lebanon, sparking hope for future accountability. Ziad Itani’s case represents a significant breakthrough in the justice system, highlighting the urgent necessity for Lebanon’s authorities to enforce existing anti-torture laws effectively. Moving forward, it is essential for the government to ensure that victims receive justice and protection against human rights violations, thereby fostering a culture that respects individual rights and dignity.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
