Message from MIRSAD of Lebanon
21/7/2000

Dear Colleagues,

Thank you for your concern and support in regards to the interrogation I was subjected to this morning July 21st at the Hobeish Police Station. I finally understood that the reason for summing me by a local police colonel  was in relation to the content of our urgent actions regarding the harassment of the Lebanese ISP Destination, back in April 2000.

The interrogators were keen to make me reveal the sources of our information and the methods we follow in our investigation. I clarified the following points:
        - MIRSAD is a human rights organization and does not reveal any such information.
        - MIRSAD supports the action of the police when they are following the law and the legal procedures.
        - MIRSAD wishes to keep the bridge open with the police to support them in applying the proper procedures.
        - MIRSAD defends all human rights of every individual.
        - MIRSAD will not hesitate to expose unlawful police actions if they happen in the future.
        - MIRSAD refutes any torture used in interrogation and refuses any signed confession under torture.

Finally, I should stress on the positive attitude of the interrogating officers and encourage them in their quest for improvement.

I would also like to express special thanks to the concerned phone calls and emails.

No further action is required at this point.

Thanks you for your solidarity!

Kamal el Batal
Director
MIRSAD