Freedom under attack in Lebanon
Lebanese Forces: The Lebanese Authorities arrested several members of the Lebanese Forces (LF) (disbanded since March 1994) after a Mass turned into a demonstration in Mayfouk, a Lebanese northern village located in the mountains. Fadi Al-Shamati and Selman Semaha are being held at the Ministry of Defense jail and are subjected to interrogation. Fadi al Shamati was first taken to Intelligence Center in Jubeil, under the command of Badih Abu Shahla and then later moved to the Ministry of Defense. Selman Semaha received a call on Monday morning to appear in the Ministry for interrogation. Seven other members from Becharri village (a staunch supporter of the LF) are also detained in the Intelligence Center in Koubbi, Tripoli, North of Lebanon. No warrants were issued or formal charges.
Background:
On Sunday September 17, 2000, thousands of Lebanese Forces (LF) members gathered to commemorate the death of LF fighters who died during the civil war in Lebanon (1975-1990). The mass turned into a protest "the biggest since the LF was outlawed in 1994 and the second by LF supporters in four days, also demanded the release of jailed former leader Samir Geagea." According to Daily Star newspaper.
The Daily Star newspaper also reported the following:
The Mass, which was scheduled for 11.30am, was delayed for three hours as most of the participants were stuck at Lebanese Army checkpoints along the roads leading to the village. The army had set up six roadblocks on the 20-kilometer stretch of road from the coast to Mayfouq. Soldiers checked identity cards of all those entering the village, confiscating any flags and portraits of Geagea that they found.
Despite the security measures, demonstrators carried LF flags and posters of Geagea and late President-elect Bashir Gemayel, which were brought to the protest area earlier on.   "Geagea is innocent," "Free him," and "Syrians out," the protesters shouted, waving the LF flag outside Our Lady of Elije Church where the Mass was held. The security measures were described as "disguised oppression" by Father Antoine Saifi, who read the sermon on behalf of Father Neemtallah Younes, the head of the Mayfouq Monastery where the protest was held.
"Why are pressure and humiliation exercised on people in one region," he asked, "while other regions are left with no guards or observers?"
The security measures turned the 30-minute drive from the coast to Mayfouq into a six-hour journey, forcing many people to leave their cars on the road and walk. (End of report by Daily Star)
Eyewitnesses also reported the beating of Ibrahim Bedran by the Security Forces at one of the roadblocks. Bedran was holding a picture of Geagea and refused to surrender it. Bedran suffered bruises but continued his way towards where the Mass was held. Some other Mass attendees were held down on the ground while Security Forces members stepped on their heads with their military boots, which prompted Father Seifi to interfere on their behalf, eyewitnesses reported.
Members of the Lebanese Forces wearing shirts featuring pictures of Geagea and special crosses known to the LF, had their shirts torn and crosses confiscated.
The Security Forces also stopped families of the martyrs who held the pictures of their loved ones and reefs for their graves. Some of the reefs were taken and thrown away.
Your urgent intervention is needed in Lebanon to safeguard the lives of those who demand what is rightful to them. Freedoms are under attack and those who dare voice their opinions suffer the consequences.
Michelle Tanios
Deputy Director
The Lebanese Information Center
20/10/00