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Executive Summary:

This report presents a comprehensive overview of the trial monitoring conducted in the case of Bashar Abed Saoud, a Syrian refugee who died under torture while in detention at the State Security Detention Center in Tebnine, southern Lebanon, on August 31, 2022. The trial, which marks the first case of its kind to reach the Military Court under Law No. 65/2017, the Anti-Torture law, has been fraught with significant procedural issues and challenges.

Bashar Abed Saoud’s case underscores the urgent need to address human rights violations, particularly concerning torture and the protection of detainees’ rights. Lebanon’s legal framework, including Law No. 65/2017 and Article 47 of the Criminal Procedure Law, provides the foundation for ensuring justice, accountability, and protection for victims of torture.

The trial has been marred by repeated adjournments due to the absence of defense lawyers and the refusal of the Court to accept crucial evidence presented by the victim’s lawyer, Mohammad Sablouh. These delays and procedural barriers have impeded the progress of the trial, raising serious concerns about the Court’s commitment to justice and accountability.

The report recommends ensuring timely proceedings, allowing inclusive legal representation, maintaining transparency and accountability, and providing support for victims’ families. It also underscores the need for a thorough review of the trial proceedings to ensure adherence to international standards of fairness, transparency, and impartiality.