Introduction:

Torture in Lebanon remains an open wound in the body of justice, having shifted from an exceptional practice to a deeply rooted culture within certain security and judicial institutions. This culture not only commits violations but also provides cover for perpetrators, enabling their impunity through manipulation of procedures, neglect of complaints, and concealment of evidence.

In a country supposedly governed by laws, torture becomes a tool to silence voices, extract confessions, and intimidate individuals, while victims stand before institutions meant to protect rights but which often turn into partners in violations or complicit through silence.

The case presented here concerns minor UNVT26-002, a 16-year-old Lebanese boy. He was arrested by Army Intelligence in the north, beaten and tortured, and held for a long period to ensure the traces disappeared before being handed over. Later, he was referred to the Internal Security Forces, then appeared before the investigating judge, who noticed swelling in his nose. He told her he had been tortured, but she took no action.

Despite witnesses requesting to prove his innocence, the investigation ended with charges against him and a detention order, closing the file on the basis of his conviction. At that point, Cedar Centre followed up the case and requested the appointment of a forensic doctor. The deputy public prosecutor referred the matter to the prison doctor, which was illegal, and it later turned out that the doctor had not examined him.

A Cedar Centre’s lawyer visited North Prosecutor Hani Al-Hajjar and explained the details of what the minor had suffered. He immediately agreed to appoint an independent forensic doctor. Indeed, the doctor visited the minor detainee, who recounted what had happened, and the doctor noted that signs of torture were still visible even after a month.

By contrast, the prison doctor had previously told him: “Who dares accuse Army Intelligence? Your life will be ruined. Forget the beating and torture, deny everything, because they are never held accountable.”

Legal Action of Cedar Centre:

• 14 April 2026: A general judicial power of attorney was organized to grant the minor official legal follow-up rights.
• 22 April 2026: Cedar Centre’s lawyer attended a session before the presiding investigating judge in the case, which was an important milestone in the proceedings.
• 23 April 2026: A power of attorney was ratified in the detainee’s name to solidify legal procedures.
• 24 April 2026: Cedar Centre requested a forensic doctor, but the prosecution appointed the prison doctor who did not examine him, forcing a new request.
• 28 April 2026: The request to appoint a new forensic doctor was resubmitted and approved at Cedar Center’s expense. A forensic doctor was assigned to examine the minor for $300, and the report was filed with the prosecution.
• 29 April 2026: Cedar Centre requested an investigation into the torture, and on the same day scheduled an X-ray of the nose at a Tripoli hospital at 12:00 noon.
• 6 May 2026: A new request was filed to summon witnesses and confront him with the complainant, aiming to reveal the truth directly.
• 13 May 2026: Cedar Centre’s lawyer reviewed Al-Tal police station files and found another file related to drugs, now under prosecution follow-up.
• 19 May 2026: The detained minor was transferred to the Mashta Hassan police station.
• 19 May 2026: The minor’s file was reviewed, and the request was rejected by the presiding investigative judge, who issued an indictment classifying the case as a felony, with the possibility of an appeal by the Cedar Centre.

• On 3 June 2026: A memorandum of demands along with a request for the release of the minor was submitted to the Indictment Chamber in the North.

Key Violations Under International Conventions Signed by Lebanon

1. Convention Against Torture (CAT)
   • Article 2: Absolute prohibition of torture, with no exceptional circumstances allowed as justification.
     • Violation: The minor was beaten and tortured while detained by Army Intelligence.
   • Articles 12 & 13: Obligation to investigate promptly and impartially, and guarantee victims’ right to complain.
     • Violation: The judge ignored the minor’s complaint despite noticing his swollen nose, and no investigation was opened.
2. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
   • Article 7: Prohibits torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
     • Violation: Continued torture and pressure on the minor to deny what happened.
   • Article 14: Right to a fair trial, including hearing witnesses and self-defense.
     • Violation: The judge refused to consider the minor’s or witnesses’ statements and issued a detention order without serious investigation.
3. Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)
   • Article 37: Prohibits torture of children and requires detention only as a last resort and for the shortest possible time.
     • Violation: The minor was held for a long period by Army Intelligence to hide torture marks.
   • Article 39: Requires states to provide physical and psychological rehabilitation for child victims of torture.
     • Violation: No medical or psychological support was provided; instead, the prison doctor appointment was manipulated and no examination was done.

Recommendations

1. Investigate torture and ill-treatment allegations against the minor, and hold all direct and indirect perpetrators accountable, in line with Lebanon’s obligations under the UN and CAT.
2. Take effective judicial action against anyone who participated, covered up, or neglected to investigate torture claims, including judicial or security failures.
3. Require authorities to immediately refer any detainee alleging torture to an independent forensic doctor, documenting injuries per international standards.
4. Provide specialized psychological and physical rehabilitation programs for the minor as a potential torture victim, in line with CRC Article 39.
5. Respect the minor’s right to defend himself, hear witnesses, and reject any statements extracted under pressure or torture, in line with ICCPR.
6. Allow independent oversight and judicial bodies to conduct regular, unannounced visits to detention centres, especially security investigation facilities.
7. Implement mandatory programs on the prohibition of torture, child rights, and international fair trial standards to prevent recurrence of such violations.