Monitoring Human Rights Violations in Lebanese Detention Centers: 

  

In June, as part of our ongoing anti-torture initiatives, the Lebanese Center for Human Rights (CLDH) initiated contact with the General Directorate of General Security, the Internal Security Forces (ISF), the Lebanese Army, and the General Directorate of State Security to request permission for our social workers to conduct visits to their detention facilities and engage with detainees. 

Within the following month, CLDH successfully obtained approvals from both the GSO and State Security to conduct the visits. However, it is regrettable to note that the ISF and the Army did not grant consent for our social workers to access their detention centers.  

I-Observations and Findings: 

After these visits, we carefully documented the following:   

Incidents of Reported Torture at the “Bent Jbeil” and “Tebnin” State Security Detention Centers: 

Out of a group of ten individuals, six reported experiencing torture during their confinement at the “Bent jbeil” and “Tebnin” State Security facility. Remarkably, these same individuals reported positive treatment during their time at the Ramlet AL Baida State Security detention center. 

  • One detainee, who suffered severe abuse during the “Bent Jbeil” investigation conducted by State Security personnel, opted not to disclose the identities of those responsible for his torture. 

  • Another detainee claimed that a total of 13 individuals, including State Security members in Tebnin and civilians, subjected him to torture. 

  • A third detainee recounted experiencing physical and psychological torture during his two-month detention in Tebnin. 

 

Reported Torture during Raids: 

Out of the 10 interviewed detainees, three stated that they were subjected to torture during raids.  

  • One detainee disclosed being subjected to both physical and psychological torture during a raid. 

  • Additionally, another detainee reported experiencing torture during a raid preceding his detention in “Tebnin”, where he also witnessed violence and mistreatment of other inmates. 

Significant Progress at the Genral Directorate of State Security Detention Center – Ramlet Al Baida: 

During their visit to the State Security detention center, CLDH social workers had the opportunity to explore the facility, including the underground floor. Where, they observed an investigation room prepared by the Lebanese Center for Human Rights (CLDH), which complies with international standards. None of the 10 detainees reported being subjected to torture or ill-treatment in the detention center visited. Nevertheless, it has come to our attention that the ventilation in the detention area is insufficient and not adequate. 

 

Prolonged periods of detention: 

Among the 15 interviewed detainees in state security and General security, the majority had been held for over a year in the detention centers, contravening the stipulations of the criminal procedures law. 

 

Organization and Professionalism: 

At the GSO-Adlieh detention center, social workers met with five detainees, none of whom reported experiencing torture. However, our social workers encountered challenges during their visit. Upon arrival, they sought to coordinate with an officer who declined to listen to their explanations for their visit, hindering the process. Additionally, social workers reported a lack of cooperation and disrespectful behavior from officers towards other individuals waiting in line. 

On the other hand, the social workers observed a commendable level of organization during their visit to state security. The officers and detainees were well-informed about the visit. They were treated with respect and were escorted to the investigation room for one interview, and subsequently, they continued interviews in another room designated for officers' rest, although they noted ventilation issues mentioned earlier. 

 

II-Recommendations: 

Based on our findings, we propose the following recommendations: 

  1. Standardization of Detention Conditions: Authorities should establish and enforce standardized detention conditions, ensuring that detainees are treated humanely and in line with the CAT, law 65/2017, etc. 

  2. Training and Accountability: Security personnel should receive constant training in the humane treatment of detainees, with a focus on the prevention of torture. In parallel, accountability mechanisms should be in place to address misconduct and abuse. 

  3. Improvement of Facilities: Ventilation and overall conditions in detention areas should be improved to meet international standards for detainee well-being including but not limited to the Mandela rules. 

  4. Access to Legal Representation: Detainees should have access to legal representation, and meetings with lawyers should be conducted in private rooms to ensure confidentiality. 

  5. Review of Raid Procedures: Procedures for detaining individuals during raids should be reviewed to be in line with international best practices and prevent incidents of torture and ill-treatment. 

  6. Respectful and Professional Conduct: Security officers should be trained to interact respectfully and professionally with individuals visiting the detention centers. 

  7. The detainees should be transferred from detention centers to prisons after the completion of the preliminary investigation in accordance with the established legal procedures. 

  

The Lebanese Center for Human Rights remains committed to its mission to combat torture and protect the rights of detainees. We will continue our efforts to engage with relevant authorities to implement these recommendations and ensure the humane treatment of detainees in accordance with international standards. The Centre also notes the continuous improvement of certain officers and centers and stresses its readiness to provide technical assistance and additional training, depending on our capacity.