LEBANON: Arrest and arbitrary detention of lawyer Rami Alleik
Rami Alleik was assaulted and arrested on Thursday 27 May 2021 on his way to the office of the President of the Beirut Bar Association.
Rami Alleik is a member of the NGO Mouttahidoun. The NGO is a party to an ongoing procedure before the Court of Appeal of Mount Lebanon, against the Governor of the Banque du Liban and the CEO of the “Société Générale de Banque au Liban” (SGBL).
Rami Alleik was the subject of a complaint for defamation against the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) and humiliation of the judiciary. Rami Alleik had refused to appear before the intelligence services of the Lebanese Internal Security Forces (ISF). On his way to the office of the President of the Bar, Rami Alleik was violently arrested and handcuffed before being taken to an unknown location. The same evening, the Bar Council was informed of Rami Alleik’s detention at the Court House.
The Observatory strongly condemns the arbitrary arrest and mistreatments of lawyer Rami Alleik.
The Observatory reminds the Lebanese authorities that the independence of lawyers is one of the main indicators of democratic health and the consolidation of the rule of law. This is in line with the provisions of the Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers (1990):
“Governments shall ensure that lawyers (a) are able to perform all of their professional functions without intimidation, hindrance, harassment or improper interference; ” (Principle 16)
“Lawyers shall not be identified with their clients or their clients’ causes as a result of discharging their functions.”(Principle 18)
“Lawyers shall enjoy civil and penal immunity for relevant statements made in good faith in written or oral pleadings or in their professional appearances before a court, tribunal or other legal or administrative authority. “(Principle 20)