Background

The Lebanese citizen identified as VTC25-002, aged 27, was driving his vehicle (toktok) in the Souk Al-Areed area of Tripoli when he was stopped by members of the Lebanese army who asked him to bring them coffee. He politely declined due to work obligations at the time.

The following day, in the afternoon, he passed through the same area again accompanied by his child, on his way to pick up his grandmother and wife. At that moment, two army personnel blocked his path, prevented him from passing, and falsely accused him of insulting and attacking army members, including allegedly cursing the commanding officer, according to VTC25-002’s testimony.

The two soldiers violently assaulted him, using rifle butts to strike various parts of his body, resulting in visible injuries and bruises to his head and back. Shortly after, a military patrol arrived with an officer, and its members continued the assault and torture. He was handcuffed, his vehicle was confiscated, and he was taken to the vicinity of Tripoli Municipality, where the abuse continued without regard for his physical or humanitarian condition.

Timeline of actions:

• 23 August 2025: Incident begins while the individual was working in Souk Al-Areed, Tripoli.
• 24 August 2025: He is beaten and tortured by army personnel, and his vehicle is confiscated.
• 25 August 2025: Taken to a forensic doctor for examination and documentation of torture (in the presence of two lawyers).
• 2 September 2025: A formal torture complaint is filed before the Court of Cassation’s Public Prosecution.

Legal Framework and Violations:

The victim filed a complaint before the Public Prosecution against several members of the Lebanese army, citing serious violations including:

1. Violent physical assault: The victim was severely beaten with rifle butts across various parts of his body and head, resulting in documented bruises and injuries confirmed by forensic examination and photographs.
2. Torture and inhumane treatment: The assault was carried out without any regard for his health or dignity, in clear violation of Lebanese law and international human rights standards.
3. False testimony and fabricated accusations: Army personnel submitted false claims against the victim in an attempt to justify the assault, constituting legal violations and abuse of power.

These actions fall under the classification of a misdemeanor under Lebanese law and warrant legal investigation and accountability.

Human Rights Concerns:

The facts clearly indicate that the victim was subjected to acts amounting to torture and cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment by army personnel, violating his right to physical integrity and human dignity, as protected under Lebanese law and international conventions, particularly the UN Convention Against Torture.

1. Torture and degrading treatment: The victim endured severe physical and verbal abuse, violating Law No. 65/2017 on the criminalization of torture, which prohibits any act causing severe physical or psychological pain or suffering.
2. Abuse of power and false testimony: The fabricated accusations by army personnel represent a misuse of authority and a breach of justice, increasing the risk of impunity.
3. Lack of accountability: The absence of immediate disciplinary or legal action against those involved reflects a systemic failure in accountability and raises concerns about the recurrence of such violations.

Recommendations and Follow-Up:

Following the incident and the documented torture, the victim was referred to Cedar rehabilitation centre for victims of torture, where he began receiving psychological, social, and medical support to aid his physical and emotional recovery. The centre’s legal team continues to follow up on the complaint filed before the Public Prosecution to ensure the protection of the victim’s legal rights and the prosecution of those responsible.

His condition has been monitored regularly through evaluation sessions, personal interviews, and phone check-ins to assess his psychological and social progress and ensure ongoing support as part of the rehabilitation plan.

Recommended actions for relevant authorities:

1. Continue the judicial investigation into the complaint filed before the Public Prosecution and ensure full legal proceedings against those involved.
2. Guarantee accountability for all personnel implicated in acts of torture and ill-treatment, in accordance with Law No. 65/2017.
3. Provide legal and medical protection for the victim and safeguard him from any form of retaliation or threats.
4. Maintain psychological, social, and medical support for the victim as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation plan.
5. Document and follow up on the case within the broader national efforts to combat torture and promote a culture of accountability.