The Lebanese Center for Human Rights (CLDH) is a local non-profit, non-partisan Lebanese human rights organization in Beirut that was established by the Franco-Lebanese Movement SOLIDA (Support for Lebanese Detained Arbitrarily) in 2006. SOLIDA has been active since 1996 in the struggle against arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance and the impunity of those perpetrating gross human violations.

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July 12, 2015

The Daily Star - Machnouk 12 officers referred to investigation over Roumieh scandal, July 12, 2015



Interior Minister Nouhad Machnouk revealed that 12 officers from Lebanon’s notorious Roumieh Prison were under investigation after being accused of brutally beating inmates in April.

"Twelve officers were referred for investigation other than those you heard of in the news," Machouk said addressing an Iftar dinner in Batroun Saturday.

"We will not allow anyone to undermine the authority of security institutions," Machnouk vowed.

He declared that the Roumieh Prison scandal was "an assault and doesn't reach torture claims."

Military Investigative Judge Riad Abu Ghaida demanded last week sentences ranging from two months to three years in prison for two Interal Security Forces members linked to the case.

He also recommended the same sentence for a third corporal accused of filming the torture.

Another corporal and a sergeant who knew about the torture but failed to inform authorities were set free after paying a fine.

Machnouk revealed earlier at the annual Iftar that gathers civil servants from his ministry that the trials of Fatah al-Islam militants were concluded.

"We were able to make an achievement regarding the Fatah al-Islam inmates," the minister said.

Fatah al-Islam, which is officially classified as a terrorist organization, in 2007 waged a full-fledged battle against the Lebanese Army in the Nahr al-Bared refugee camp in north Lebanon, leading to the death of 170 soldiers and 64 civilians.

Machnouk also denied rumors of a rift with Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi over the Roumieh scandal, describing him as a "brother and a friend."

"He has witnessed the injustice I've been treated with," Machnouk said.

Both ministers are members of the Future Movement.

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