iloubnan - Torture - June 24,2010

Torture in Lebanon: a common practice according to NGOs
BEIRUT, By Anne Ilcinkas | June 24, 2010

Drawing: CLDH
Lebanese NGOs are organizing a human chain to « show their respect towards those who have endured the unimaginable » on Friday, in the occasion of the International day in support of victims of torture , followed by a roundtable on Saturday concerning Lebanon and its international commitments.
Although the country has signed international conventions against torture, the necessary measures are yet to be adopted while torture remains a part of Lebanon’s every day life.
« Torture is a common practice in Lebanon », says Marie Daunay from CDLH (Lebanese center for human rights). In order to educate citizens and public authorities about the issue, the NGO is organizing a human chain facing the Parliament on Friday, June 25. On the next day, June 26, UN’s International Day in support of victims of torture, a number of associations will be animating a roundtable with the name « 2000/2010, Lebanon has signed and ratified the Convention against Torture and the optional Protocol of the Convention…But ? ». But the country is not applying them.

« Lebanon tends to ratify almost everything without ever applying anything, torture remains widespread», states Marie Daunay. The situation varies with different services. When Interior Minister, Ziad Baroud, first took charge, he stated that he does not want to hear about torture practices in police stations anymore. According to CLDH, the use of torture has indeed been reduced there.
However, the center of military intelligence, relevant from the minister of Defense and the branches related to Internal Security are known for the many cases of abuse inflicted there.

« Torture is systematic in all matters related to National Security », explains Marie Daunay, who is constantly exposed to the sight of victims entering the rehabilitation center of CLDH.
« Whether they are accused of being Israeli spies or Islamists, all of them share the same fate: while undergoing the « Ballanco » (form of torture by the suspension by the wrists previously tied behind the back), a voice whispers in their ear “you can make it stop now”. This same phrase has been reported over and over again by victims of torture since 1992.”

The CDLH has documented the use of torture in the ministry of Defense between 1992 and 2005 and continues to do so. According to their report over this period, it is always the same torturers, using the same techniques. « We tried to intervene », explains Human Rights activist, «We have sent the ministry a list with the names of torturers. However the use of torture is accepted by government and is rather seen as a necessary evil. As if torturers had to do the dirty work ».