The Lebanese State Shura Council’s decision to order reparations for actor Ziad Itani is a crucial step in addressing torture impunity in Lebanon. Itani faced grave injustices, including wrongful detention and torture. This ruling recognizes the government’s failure in preventing such abuse and highlights the urgent need for effective enforcement of the anti-torture law ratified in 2017.
Lebanon’s State Shura Council has recently made a significant ruling by ordering the government to pay actor Ziad Itani 480 million Lebanese Liras (approximately 5,360 USD) due to instances of torture and ill-treatment he endured. This decision acknowledges the failures of Lebanese authorities to prevent and properly investigate allegations of torture, marking a critical moment in the country’s justice landscape.
Kristine Beckerle, Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International, emphasized that this ruling represents a rare breakthrough for justice in Lebanon. She highlighted the courageous efforts of Itani, who endured undue detention on false charges, solitary confinement, and torture without legal representation.
By recognizing Itani’s suffering and holding the government accountable, the Shura Council is taking a vital step towards enforcing Lebanon’s 2017 anti-torture law, a legislation that has largely remained unimplemented. Beckerle condemned recent failures of Lebanon’s military court to address similar cases, indicating a dire need for systematic changes to protect detainees from torture.
The Shura Council’s ruling, issued on December 5, 2024, and made public on March 10, 2025, confirms the government’s negligence in preventing torture and asserts the necessity for thorough investigations and prosecutions. Itani was wrongfully arrested in November 2017 on fabricated charges of espionage, where he reported torture but faced no follow-up investigation.
Despite the 2017 anti-torture law’s potential, including provisions for rehabilitation and prompt action on torture complaints, its implementation has been severely lacking. Amnesty International’s ongoing documentation reveals numerous unaddressed complaints since the law’s enactment, further emphasizing the imperative for accountability and a shift away from state impunity related to human rights violations.
The ruling by the State Shura Council signifies a pivotal shift in Lebanon’s approach to torture and accountability. Itani’s case exemplifies the struggles faced by victims of torture, highlighting urgent requirements for proper investigations. The government’s failure to implement existing laws juxtaposes the need for reform in protecting human rights, indicating that this landmark decision could potentially lead to enhanced accountability for perpetrators in the future.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
