BEIRUT: A group of foreign workers said Monday that they have been subjected to a recent increase in arbitrary arrests and harassment, allegations that police and army sources denied.
The group said in a statement that although they “understand that the Lebanese authorities need to arrest those who don’t have Lebanese residency,” they “strongly condemn the arbitrary arrests that affect everyone,” including those who legally reside in the country.
“We are concerned about the terrorizing policy that accompanies the arrests, as well as the beatings and the humiliation,” the statement continued, adding that the alleged mistreatment is taking place mostly in the areas of Burj Hammoud, Dora, and Nabaa.
The statement was read by Rosette, a foreign worker who preferred not to have her last name published. Flanked by Nepalese, Madagascan and other African community leaders, she said she represented the Africans United Community in Lebanon.
According to Ali Fakhry of the Anti-Racism Movement, the statement was drafted by and represents migrant workers from “at least” Africa, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and India.
Anyaar Kur Granag, another representative of the Africans United Community, said that “the army are looking for people with or without papers, they are not discriminating [between the two]. While they are looking for foreign workers, they are carrying arms so it looks like they are going to war.”
Granag added that the security forces are mostly looking for people on the streets, rather than entering homes.
There are thought to be several hundred thousand foreign migrant workers in Lebanon, including around 200,000 domestic workers. In mid-October, a local television station aired a report entitled “Burj Hammoud … neighborhoods in danger.” It quoted locals complaining that foreign workers had turned the neighborhood into a hub of prostitution and crime.
The group of foreign workers Monday said that the arrests and harassment they have been experiencing have come “after the report broadcast on a Lebanese station.”
Two weeks ago, several weeks after the broadcast, migrant workers and local business owners told The Daily Star that there was an increased security presence in the Burj Hammoud, Dora and Nabaa areas.
In the statement, the workers added that “we are here to work and contribute to Lebanon’s economy and cultural diversity … we urge the security forces to carry out their duties by protecting us and listening to us, and we urge the Lebanese community to stand by our side in opposition to the racist campaign we are being subjected to.”
A source close to the Lebanese Army told The Daily Star that Monday’s allegations are “cheap lies.” The army declined to comment.
A police source told The Daily Star that the army is arresting foreign workers, and then handing them over to the police. The source said that the police have only received foreigners who are in the country illegally, adding that the police have not mistreated those who have been arrested. The source said that after interrogation, the police transfers arrested foreigners to General Security.
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