Lebanese human rights defender Mohammad Sablouh faces threats and intimidation
Front Line Defenders expresses deep concerns regarding the safety and security of Lebanese lawyer Mohammad Sablouh. Mohammad Sablouh has faced threats and intimidation due to his outspoken advocacy against the unlawful deportation of Syrian refugees, shedding light on violations of Lebanese law and international conventions by the General Security Forces and the Lebanese Army.
Mohammad Sablouh is a Lebanese lawyer and human rights defender. He is the Head of the Legal Support Program at Cedar Centre for Legal Studie, a non-profit organization dedicated to spreading the culture of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Lebanon. Mohammad Sablouh assists victims of torture and arbitrary detention at both the domestic and international level. He has also been actively providing legal support, documenting testimonies and information regarding human rights violations committed against Syrians refugees in Lebanon. Since 2021, as a consequence of his human rights work, Mohammad Sablouh has been facing harassment, threats, and intimidation.
On 7 February 2024, there was an attempted break-in to Mohammad Sablouh’s car parked near his residence in Qubba, North Lebanon, resulting in the disabling of the central lock, though no items were stolen. Additionally, on 21 February 2024, there was another attempt to forcibly enter his vehicle, causing damage to the back door lock. Mohammad Sablouh has also been informally notified about a 'serious' file allegedly being prepared against him, following previous accusations of Zionism by a high-ranking official withing General Security. Moreover, he has received numerous threatening calls and messages from unknown numbers, prompting him to block them for his safety. On 8 April 2023, Mohammad Sablouh submitted a legal complaint requesting from the Lebanese authorities to investigate the source of these numbers.
Front Line Defenders is deeply alarmed by the threats against Mohammad Sablouh and urges the Lebanese authorities to take immediate and decisive action to ensure his safety. Front Line Defenders calls upon the authorities to thoroughly investigate these incidents and ensure the protection of all those working to defend human rights in the country.
