Lebanon: Reports of Independence Day celebrations at the National Museum in Beirut on 22 November 2000, including reports and information on the arrest and/or kidnapping of persons returning from these celebrations and their torture while detained or held captive by Syrians

In December 2000, the Middle East Intelligence Bulletin reported that over 5,000 supporters of the Free National Current (FNC), along with various leftist groups, "assembled near the National Museum on November 22 [2000], claiming that the country's sovereignty and independence were being abused by Syria and its cronies." Though the aim of the demonstration was to "call for dialogue," the protestors chanted slogans such as "'Syria out,'" "'We only want the Lebanese Army'" and "'Let the truth be out: we can't stand Syria'" (Middle East Intelligence Bulletin Dec. 2000).

Middle East Intelligence Bulletin also reported that there were no clashes between the students and the security forces, and stated that this may have been due to the "strict instructions" given to the Internal Security Forces by the Interior Minister, who told the security forces to "'treat the students with respect, and avoid the use of force, except if there's a threat to the security of citizens'" (ibid.). However, according to the student activities co-ordinator for the FNC, the pressure by the security forces

was not restricted to the several checkpoints that were erected along the roads leading to the Museum Road. "University and school administrators were threatened against shutting down their schools. ... They were also forced to keep their students within campuses, thus preventing them from taking part in the protest" (ibid.).

Further information concerning Independence Day celebrations at the National Museum in Beirut on 22 November 2002 could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate.

Reports and information on the arrest and/or kidnapping of persons returning from these celebrations, and any subsequent torture while detained or held captive by the Syrians, could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Reference

Middle East Intelligence Bulletin [Philadelphia]. December 2000. Vol. 2, No. 11. Maha Melhem. "Thousands Demonstrate Against Syria on Independence Day." [Accessed 2 January 2003]

Additional Sources Consulted

The Foundation for Human and Humanitarian Rights in Beirut, Lebanon did not respond to a letter requesting information within time constraints.

The Movement for People's Rights (Social Cultural Action) in Beirut, Lebanon did not respond to a letter requesting information within time constraints.

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