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Layal was summoned for investigation two weeks after NOW News published a report on her alleged rape and torture during detention. According to the article, Layal stated that she was arrested for five days in 2013 at the Ministry of Justice and Rihaniyyeh, where she was not allowed access to a lawyer or contact with her family. Layal also affirmed being raped by her investigators.
Layal notified NGOs on September 21 that she had been summoned to the Lebanese army intelligence branch in Saida. Both her family and the human rights organizations were unable to receive any answers about her whereabouts. Such acts fall under incommunicado detention since authorities have actively concealed information regarding Layal's detention, and in so doing effectively deprived her of her right of access to a lawyer to challenge the arrest or detention before an independent judicial authority. Layal was also forbidden to contact her family.
Coercively denying a detainee communication with the outside world is not only a violation of Lebanese laws but would also amount to a violation of international human rights law guarantees protecting the liberty and dignity of a suspect. On the evening of September 22, a statement by the military command reported that her summon on September 21 is justified under charges of defamation and libel against the Lebanese army.
The signatory organizations call on the judicial authorities to open impartial and independent investigations with regard to the detention of Layal and previous allegations of torture and hold those responsible criminally accountable. The signatory organizations stress that investigations and proceedings have to be conducted by an independent and impartial judicial authority. All charges brought against Layal must be conducted respecting the guarantees of fair trial promulgated by national and international legal obligations.
The signatory organizations
ALEF – Act for Human Rights
ALK- Alkarama Foundation
Badael Alternatives
Lebanese Institute for Democracy and Human Rights – LIFE
