Statement of Condemnation Against the Assault on Civilians and Public Humiliation  

  

On Wednesday, October 9th, individuals intervened to arrest suspects and punish them without waiting for official authorities to act. Later, images circulated on social media showing civilians being publicly humiliated and displayed in public places on charges of theft, which violates their dignity in the complete absence of official authorities fulfilling their obligations to protect and respect the law and prevent any violations of human rights. 

  

The Lebanese Center of Human Rights condemns these actions, which violate Articles 3 and 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which state that everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security and that no one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention. These actions also violate Articles 7 and 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which stipulate that no one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment and that no one shall be deprived of liberty except on such grounds and in accordance with such procedure as are established by law. 

  

Additionally, these actions violate the provisions of the Convention Against Torture and Articles 429, 430, 431, and 554 of the Lebanese Penal Code, which state that anyone who uses violence against another person or property shall be punished with a fine not exceeding two hundred thousand Lebanese pounds. If violence is committed against persons or through moral coercion, the perpetrator is punishable by imprisonment for up to six months in addition to the aforementioned fine. The punishment increases to imprisonment from three months to two years if violence or coercion is used by an armed person or a group of three or more individuals, even if unarmed. Prosecution depends on a complaint from the affected party unless the misdemeanor is accompanied by another crime that can be prosecuted without a complaint. Furthermore, anyone who intentionally strikes or injures another person without causing illness or incapacitation for more than ten days shall be punished upon complaint by imprisonment for up to six months or detention with a fine ranging from ten thousand to fifty thousand Lebanese pounds or one of these penalties. 

  

The Lebanese Center for Human Rights condemns the assault on civilians and their public humiliation and suggests the following recommendations:  

 

  • Holding accountable the citizens responsible for the assault and taking all necessary measures to ensure such incidents do not recur by security forces 

  • Referring suspects to the competent judiciary for prosecution under fair legal proceedings 

  • Ensuring that the accused have the right to compensation if proven innocent 

  • Implementing national laws and policies prohibiting assaults on civilians, especially during times of war 

  • Activating the role of security forces in maintaining national security and public safety, enforcing laws, and taking necessary measures