Press release
Syrian Opposition Coalition
Department of Media and Communications
March 24, 2021
The Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) is closely following the issue of Syrian detainees in Lebanon’s prisons and detention centers where they are being held in inhumane conditions and subjected to crimes and violations, including arbitrary detention and unfair sentences issued based on confessions extracted under torture.
The report Amnesty International on Tuesday issued under the title “I wish I would die” represents the tip of the iceberg of the disastrous conditions and maltreatment against Syrian prisoners in Lebanon’s prisons and detention centers. It also reveals the horrific violations those prisoners are being subjected to, and clearly defines the responsibilities of the Lebanese government towards these violations.
The SOC stresses the importance of the set of recommendations put forth in the report as they correspond with the report the National Commission for Detainees and Missing Persons issued six months ago, especially with regard to the need to put an end to arbitrary arrest and torture, hold accountable those responsible for violations against detainees, look into the complaints by an independent body, and immediately cease all deportations.
The SOC expresses its appreciation for the efforts many Lebanese people are making in support of their Syrian brethren, as well as their outright rejection of all abuses and violations against Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
It is imperative that the international community assume its responsibilities with regard to this issue and mobilize international human rights organizations and the International Committee of the Red Cross to conduct immediate visits to prisons and detention centers in Lebanon in order ascertain the conditions inside and put forth the necessary recommendations based on those visits.
