A protest in Tripoli, Lebanon, drew hundreds demanding the release of Islamist detainees jailed during the Syrian Civil War. The protesters aim to pressure authorities for an amnesty amid calls for fair trials. Prime Minister Najib Mikati acknowledged the need for a resolution, highlighting the ongoing tension stemming from sectarian divides in the region.
On Sunday, hundreds of individuals gathered in Nour Square, Tripoli, Lebanon, advocating for the release of Islamist prisoners detained during the Syrian Civil War. These detainees comprise Lebanese citizens who had participated in the conflict against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, returning home only to be arrested. Protesters aim to intensify pressure on authorities to grant freedom to those deemed unjustly imprisoned. Ahmad al-Shimali, a protester, stated that many of these detainees acted in support of the Syrian revolution. Rights advocates have called for fair trials for those labeled as Islamist extremists, as significant numbers have spent years without a trial. In December, Prime Minister Najib Mikati acknowledged the need for a resolution but emphasized the necessity for parliamentary action regarding a possible amnesty. Throughout the Syrian conflict, Tripoli experienced unrest, particularly witnessing friction between the Sunni Muslim district of Bab al-Tebbaneh and the Alawite-majority Jabal Mohsen, linked to the broader sectarian divides within Lebanon, escalating tensions further.
The ongoing demands for the release of Islamist prisoners in Lebanon are rooted in the impact of the Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011. Lebanese individuals, drawn by the call to support Syrian rebels, often found themselves facing severe repercussions upon their return. The legal and human rights landscape for these individuals remains contentious, with many advocates arguing for proper legal representation and an end to prolonged detention without trial. The sectarian context within Lebanon exacerbates these tensions, notably highlighted by the conflicts in Tripoli where different religious groups have historically clashed, reflecting deeper societal divides exacerbated by the conflict in Syria.
The rally in Tripoli underlines the urgent calls for justice from families of Islamist detainees who have been arrested during the Syrian Civil War. Protesters like Ahmad al-Shimali serve as voices for a broader movement seeking resolution and rehabilitation for those who participated in a fight linked to the Syrian uprising against Assad. The call for amnesty and fair trials indicates a growing concern over human rights practices within Lebanon, emphasizing the significance of addressing the legacies of regional conflicts and their local repercussions.
Original Source: www.france24.com
