Threats and intimidation against Lebanese lawyer Mohammad Sablouh

Intervention letter
14 Jan 2022
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We’re concerned about the ongoing intimidation of Mohammad Sablouh. We've urged the relevant authorities to stop all acts of intimidation and harassment against Mr Sablouh immediately.
Lebanese flag in front of a blurred background of a city sunrise

Who we wrote to

The Lebanese government’s commissioner to the Military Court and the director of general security.

What’s the issue

We’re concerned about the ongoing intimidation of Mohammad Ahmad Samir Sablouh for activities carried out in the exercise of his professional duties.

Since 2007, Mr Sablouh has been practising as a lawyer. He has assisted victims of torture and arbitrary detention.

In 2021, the number of threats against him increased.

Timeline

14 April 2021 – at a meeting held by the minister of justice of Lebanon, the director of general security allegedly accused Mr Sablouh of committing high treason for speaking with international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) about the torture and detention of Syrian refugees.

September 2021 – Mr Sablouh was intimidated while defending Syrian refugees at risk of deportation to Syria.

28 September 2021 – the Military Court sent a letter to the Tripoli Bar Association requesting that Mr Sablouh’s immunity as a lawyer be lifted, in order to prosecute him. This request was rejected on 27 October 2021.

What we asked for

We urged the relevant authorities to:

  • stop all acts of intimidation, harassment and possible prosecution or other legal action against Mr Sablouh immediately, and
  • ensure that Mr Sablouh, and all other lawyers in Lebanon, can carry out their professional duties as a lawyer without undue external interference, including threats, harassment and prosecution

We’ll continue to monitor the situation of Mohammad Sablouh as well as that of other lawyers in Lebanon.