Amnesty International has hailed the Shura Council’s ruling requiring the Lebanese government to pay actor Ziad Itani for his torture claims. This decision signifies progress towards ending impunity for torture in Lebanon. Despite past failures by military courts to hold torturers accountable, the ruling instills hope for future justice. Itani’s case underscores the need for effective enforcement of the anti-torture law established in 2017.
Amnesty International has commended a recent ruling by Lebanon’s State Shura Council, which ordered the government to pay actor Ziad Itani 480 million Lebanese Liras (approximately $5,360 USD) for his suffering caused by allegations of torture. This decision marks a significant advancement in justice, aiming to dismantle the entrenched culture of impunity surrounding torture in Lebanon.
Ziad Itani faced severe injustices, including wrongful detention, solitary confinement, torture, and denial of legal representation. By recognizing the failures of Lebanese authorities to combat torture and granting reparations to Itani, the Shura Council is taking essential steps to actualize the anti-torture law enacted in 2017, which has seen insufficient implementation over the years.
Despite recent failures by Lebanon’s military court to hold accountable those responsible for the torture and subsequent death of Syrian refugee Bashar Abd Saud, this recent ruling provides a hopeful prospect for torture survivors. The Lebanese authorities are now urged to ensure accountability for torturers, safeguard detainees from maltreatment, and offer remedies for victims of human rights violations.
The background of Ziad Itani’s case began in August 2020 when his lawyer filed a complaint against government negligence in his torture case. The Shura Council’s decision, made public on March 10, 2025, highlights the state’s failure to investigate torture claims properly and uphold the presumption of innocence.
Itani was arrested in November 2017 on unfounded charges of espionage. Despite revealing the torture he endured upon his first appearance before a Military Judge, no investigation was initiated. Following his acquittal in 2018, attempts by Itani to file civil lawsuits related to his torture were largely unfruitful, leading to his eventual complaint to the State Shura Council for reparations.
Although Lebanon ratified an anti-torture law in 2017, which criminalizes torture and details victim rights, the law presents limitations, particularly stating that the Military Court lacks jurisdiction over torture claims. Amnesty International continues to document unaddressed complaints under this law, indicating a pressing need for effective implementation and justice for torture victims.
The State Shura Council’s decision to compensate Ziad Itani represents a crucial step towards addressing the severe issue of torture and impunity in Lebanon. It highlights the importance of judicial accountability and the enforcement of existing laws designed to protect individuals from torture. The ruling not only acknowledges the injustices faced by Itani but also establishes a hopeful precedent for other victims, urging Lebanese authorities to fulfill their legal obligations and take meaningful actions against torture.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
