Following the preliminary investigations with former Minister Michel Samaha, suspected of plotting terrorist attacks in Lebanon, carried out this past week, his case was referred to the Military Tribunal. ALEF, CLDH and Alkarama consider this to be a further case illustrating the worrying practice in Lebanon of deferring civilians before the Military Court system.

On 20 May, Ahmad Abdulwahed, a Sunni religious figure known for his political support of the Syrian opposition, and Mohammad al Mereb were shot dead by soldiers from the Lebanese Military at a check point at the entrance to Kwaikhat, northern Lebanon. This incident rekindled tensions in the north which were already shaken up by the recent violent clashes between supporters and opponents of the Syrian regime. In an attempt to appease public opinion, the authorities rushed to publicly declare the immediate opening of an investigation but more than two months later, the investigation has still not been opened. Alkarama asks for the Lebanese authorities to guarantee the independence and impartially of the investigations, ensuring that they be above any political considerations.

On 6 May 2012, Youssef Al Ghantawi, a Syrian national was arrested at his home in Meshary Al Qaa, Lebanon. The 21-year-old was then transferred to the General Security's retention centre in Adlieh district, Beirut. We have reason to fear that his expulsion to Syria is imminent, which would put him at high risk of torture.