In a recent verdict deemed crucial by human rights advocates, the Shura Council of Lebanon delivered a pivotal ruling in the case of actor Ziad Itani, which, according to Amnesty International, signifies significant progress in the battle against systemic torture and impunity in Lebanon.
The decision, announced on December 5, 2024, held the Lebanese government accountable for the torture suffered by Itani while in custody. He was falsely accused in 2017 of espionage for Israel, a charge that was later proven untrue. During his detention, Itani faced severe torture, including whipping and hanging, at the hands of the Lebanese State Security forces. The Shura Council decision awarded Itani 480 million Lebanese pounds in compensation, acknowledging the physical and psychological damage inflicted upon him.
Itani’s case illustrates long-standing issues within Lebanon’s judicial, security, and administrative systems, where human rights violations often occur with little accountability. Amnesty International argued that the ruling reflects a necessary shift in countering these practices and urged Lebanese officials to use this opportunity to bring about fundamental reforms.
The case of Bashar Abd Saud, a Syrian refugee who died after torture by Lebanese State Security forces, presents a contrasting narrative. A Lebanese military court lessened charges against the personnel involved, reducing their sentences. Amnesty International criticized this outcome, noting that it undermines Lebanon’s Anti-Torture Law of 2017 and highlights ongoing impunity.
Despite the Shura Council’s positive step, Lebanon still confronts significant challenges in ensuring justice and preventing torture. The ruling casts a light on the state’s failures to protect individuals from torture, hold perpetrators accountable, and uphold international and national laws prohibiting such acts. For legal professionals and human rights advocates, the case emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive reform to end a culture of impunity.
This landmark decision may serve as encouragement for those seeking substantive changes in Lebanon’s approach to human rights, yet the continual struggle against deeply rooted systemic issues remains a reminder of the work yet to be accomplished.