Aoun: Roumieh Abuse Caused by Individuals, Not ISF Institution

Free Patriotic Movement chief MP Michel Aoun demanded on Tuesday that an investigation be held in the recent developments at Roumieh Prison, accusing the Internal Security Forces Intelligence Bureau of shortcomings at the facility.

He said after the Change and Reform bloc's weekly meeting: “The abuse at Roumieh jail was caused by individuals, not the ISF institution, and an investigation must be held without defamation.”

“This is not the first time that violations have been committed at the facility, but this time they were very clear,” he noted in reference to the Intelligence Bureau.

“Riots and protests occur when the state does not take legal action against violators,” stressed the MP.

He warned however against the media exploiting the issue.

On Sunday, videos emerged of guards beating Roumieh Prison inmates.

Roumieh is Lebanon's largest prison and has long been infamous for the poor conditions in some of its blocks, including overcrowding and harsh treatment.

Other parts of it, however, had become virtual no-go zones for security, with prisoners running their affairs and able to access laptops, phones and money, until security forces cleared Roumieh's Block B in January.

On Tuesday, State Commissioner to the Military Court Judge Saqr Saqr charged five guards with abusing the prisoners.

A riot later took place at Roumieh as prisoner demanded better conditions at the facility.

Security forces soon intervened to contain the unrest and listen to the inmates' demands.

M.T.

Y.R.