Background:
Case number VTC25-001 concerns a Lebanese minor, 15 years old, who was detained on 6 August 2025 in connection with a misdemeanor involving gunfire. The Cedar Centre for Legal Studies took charge of his case from the outset and attended his interrogation by military police on 7 August 2025 under a special power of attorney issued by his guardian. Since then, the Centre has played a key role in following up his case by monitoring all legal procedures and ensuring the protection of his rights, as stipulated by Law 65/2017 (the Law on the Punishment of Torture).

During his detention and transfer to the Tripoli Port police station, he was subjected to physical abuse. Later, he was interrogated in the presence of a lawyer from the Cedar Centre for Legal Studies and a representative of the Juvenile Protection Association, during which the signs of torture were documented through photographs.

As a result of the torture, the minor showed clear signs of beating and bruises and had difficulty walking. The officer in charge was obligated to file a report and summon a doctor or transfer the detainee to a hospital for a medical report. Indeed, the military police were contacted to ensure the presence of a forensic doctor, who arrived at 10:30 P.M., but he was prevented from conducting the medical examination.

Timeline of Legal Procedures:

• On 6 August 2025: The minor was detained following a police chase related to a shooting incident.
• On 7 August 2025, the Cedar Centre for Legal Studies received the minor’s file and attended the investigation with him at the Military Police under a power of attorney issued by his guardian. The Centre coordinated with the representative of the Juvenile Protection Association, during which the signs of torture were documented through photographs
• On 8 August 2025, after several unsuccessful attempts to contact the investigator, the Centre’s lawyer personally went to the police station to inquire about the minor’s situation, particularly regarding his transfer or any other measures affecting him. She could not find the investigator or the responsible officer, so she requested the head of the precinct to follow up and expedite the transfer process.
• On 11 August 2025, the lawyer returned to inquire about the minor’s status. The officers again informed her that the investigator or officer was unavailable, but a security officer’s alert about the minor’s condition helped speed up the process. Later, the head of the Legal Program at the Cedar Centre, Mr. Mohammad Sablouh, informed the lawyer that officers from the Souwayka unit would take the minor’s statement, which was confirmed to have been completed within half an hour.
• On 14 August 2025, the Centre’s lawyer attended the investigation with the minor at the Tripoli Judicial Branch, following a directive from the judge and in the presence of the forensic doctor appointed by her. After eight days of detention, most signs of abuse had disappeared from his body. The Public Prosecutor later issued a decision to release him under residence guarantee within 24 hours. The Cedar Centre for Legal Studies received the minor immediately upon his release to ensure continued follow-up and protection of his case.

Conclusion:

The minor was subjected to clear physical abuse during his detention, and immediate medical measures to document his condition and ensure his protection were not taken. The Cedar Centre for Legal Studies played a pivotal role in safeguarding the minor’s rights by attending the investigation, documenting the torture, following up on legal procedures, and urging the relevant authorities to act swiftly. This follow-up directly contributed to the issuance of the decision to release the minor and secure his freedom after his detention and torture.

The Centre will continue to follow up on his case and refer him to its rehabilitation program for torture victims, offering psychological, social, medical, and physical therapy as needed.

Therefore, it is essential to rehabilitate minors who have been subjected to torture in detention centres, to ensure their psychological and social well-being and protect them from any long-term negative effects that may affect them or those around them. This comprehensive intervention is not limited to addressing immediate harm but also includes monitoring their rights and providing support to achieve full integration into society, ensuring a dignified and safe life, and reflecting the Centre’s commitment to protecting victims of torture from any future risks that could threaten their psychological and social development.

Legal Recommendations under Law 65/2017:

• Enforce the judicial police and public prosecutors to conduct immediate and serious investigations into allegations of torture, pursuant to Article 5 of the law, particularly in cases involving minors, ensuring that no officer escapes accountability.
• Oblige judicial authorities to refer victims immediately to an independent forensic doctor and prevent obstruction of medical examinations, as occurred in this case.
• Guarantee victims’ right to compensation and rehabilitation through specialized centres offering psychological, social, and medical services.
• Establish a practical protocol between the Ministry of Justice and the judicial police to ensure the rapid transfer of detainees showing signs of torture to accredited hospitals and centres, preventing the concealment of evidence.
• Ensure regular oversight by juvenile judges of detention facilities to prevent torture and ill-treatment, in line with Lebanon’s international obligations.