The State Shura Council in Lebanon mandated reparations for Ziad Itani, highlighting the government’s failures in addressing torture allegations. Kristine Beckerle of Amnesty International called it a vital step toward justice and ending impunity for torture. Despite recent judicial failures, the decision provides hope for survivors of torture.
The State Shura Council in Lebanon has mandated the government to pay actor Ziad Itani approximately 480 million Lebanese Liras (around 5,360 USD) as reparations for harm inflicted by the authorities due to their negligence in addressing his torture allegations. Kristine Beckerle, Deputy Regional Director for Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International, hailed this ruling as a pivotal moment that could end the longstanding impunity for torture in the country.
Ziad Itani’s case, marked by wrongful detention, solitary confinement, torture, and denial of legal access, exemplifies systemic injustices in Lebanon. The Shura Council’s recognition of these violations signifies a substantial advancement towards the enforcement of Lebanon’s 2017 anti-torture legislation, which has seen inadequate implementation to date. Beckerle emphasized the importance of this historic ruling, declaring it a beacon of hope for torture survivors seeking justice.
Despite the gravity of the Shura Council’s decision, the recent failure of Lebanon’s military court to prosecute those responsible for the torture-related death of Syrian refugee Bashar Abd Saud underscores ongoing judicial shortcomings. Beckerle urged Lebanese authorities to address accountability for torturers to protect detainees effectively and to provide redress for victims of egregious human rights violations.
The State Shura Council’s ruling acknowledges failures by the State in preventing torture and upholding the presumption of innocence. This decision adheres to a complaint lodged by Itani’s lawyer in August 2020, after Itani had been unjustly imprisoned on fabricated charges before finally being acquitted in March 2018.
Lebanon’s anti-torture law, ratified in October 2017, defines torture as an outright crime and prohibits the use of torturous evidence in legal proceedings. Despite its promising framework, Amnesty International notes numerous instances of uninvestigated torture complaints since the law’s adoption, highlighting the urgent need for effective legislative enforcement in Lebanon.
The Shura Council’s decision to award reparations to Ziad Itani marks a significant milestone in Lebanon’s legal landscape regarding the treatment of torture victims. It underscores the necessity of accountability for abuses within the justice system and the imperative for government action to protect victims’ rights. Moreover, this ruling may inspire further efforts towards the full implementation of anti-torture laws in the country, thus addressing the profound systemic issues of impunity.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
