Landmark Decision by Lebanon’s Shura Council Signals Hope for Torture Survivors

The State Shura Council of Lebanon has ruled in favor of actor Ziad Itani, awarding him reparations for the torture he endured while in detention. This decision is viewed as a breakthrough in the fight against systemic torture and impunity in Lebanon. Human rights advocates highlight the necessity for the enforcement of the 2017 anti-torture law to protect all detainees and ensure justice for victims.

Lebanon’s State Shura Council, the nation’s highest administrative court, has made a crucial ruling regarding the case of actor Ziad Itani, mandating the government to pay him 480 million Lebanese Liras (approximately $5,360) in reparations. The decision stems from the authorities’ failure to prevent or properly investigate the allegations of torture he suffered during detention. Human rights advocate Kristine Beckerle of Amnesty International emphasized that this landmark ruling could signal a shift toward eradicating impunity for torture in Lebanon.

Ziad Itani experienced severe violations of his rights, including arbitrary detention, solitary confinement, torture, and a denial of legal counsel. Beckerle commended Itani’s resilience in his pursuit of accountability, asserting that recognizing his ordeal underscores the state’s neglect of its anti-torture obligations. The Shura Council’s ruling aligns with the 2017 anti-torture law, which has remained largely unenforced by Lebanese authorities for seven years, highlighting the need for substantial reform.

Despite this positive development, Beckerle noted a recent failure by Lebanon’s military court to hold accountable those responsible for the torture and subsequent death of Syrian refugee Bashar Abd Saud in November 2024. The Shura Council’s decision serves as a beacon of hope for survivors of torture, advocating for the accountability of perpetrators, protection of detainees’ rights, and provision of effective remedies for human rights violations.

Itani’s legal journey began in August 2020 when his attorney filed a complaint with the State Shura Council. The council’s significant ruling occurred on December 5, 2024, after acknowledging the failure of the Lebanese authorities to prohibit torture and ensure accountability through adequate investigations. Initially arrested in November 2017 on baseless charges of espionage, Itani detailed his torture in military court, which failed to investigate his claims until his eventual acquittal in March 2018.

In 2018, Itani pursued a civil lawsuit for anti-torture claims, yet this case did not progress to trial, prompting him to seek reparations from the Shura Council. The 2017 anti-torture law ratified by Lebanon criminalizes torture and outlines protections for victims, but it also contains significant gaps, notably pertaining to the military court’s jurisdiction over torture allegations. Since the law’s enactment, Amnesty International has reported numerous instances where complaints under this statute have not been adequately investigated, leaving victims without access to justice.

The ruling by Lebanon’s State Shura Council represents a pivotal moment in the fight against torture and human rights abuses in the country. By recognizing and addressing Ziad Itani’s suffered injustices, the court has laid the groundwork for a potential end to long-standing impunity faced by torture victims. However, the Lebanese authorities must implement necessary measures to uphold the provisions of the 2017 anti-torture law and ensure that all complaints are investigated thoroughly, ensuring that accountability becomes a reality for all survivors of torture.

Original Source: www.amnesty.org