Lebanon: Alkarama Condemns Threats and Harassment Against Mohamed Sablouh, lawyer and human rights defender

Alkarama condemns the repressive practices, ongoing harassment, and threats faced by Lebanese human rights lawyer Mohamed Sablouh, warning against any harm to Mr. Sablouh and calling for his protection, as well as the safeguarding of his ability to practice his peaceful legal and human rights work. 

Alkarama's legal director, Rashid Mesli, expressed concern for Mr. Sablouh's safety and the potential violation of his rights, including his right to freedom of expression and his right to practice law. Mesli praised the legal and human rights work carried out by Mr. Sablouh, including his efforts to promote democracy and the rule of law in Lebanon and his cooperation with United Nations human rights mechanisms. 

On August 14, 2024, while attending a hearing for one of his clients, Mr. Sablouh was informed by the head of the military court in Beirut that the court had issued a decision banning him from entering the military court for three months due to a social media post in which he criticized the military judiciary. 

Earlier, Mr. Sablouh had faced another form of harassment when an attempt was made to strip him of his immunity as a lawyer. Additionally, the General Security Directorate issued a press release criticizing Mr. Sablouh's legitimate and peaceful activities. 

It is worth noting that Mr. Sablouh heads the legal support program at the Cedar Center for Legal Studies, which consists of six lawyers. He has been actively defending human rights for many years, documenting cases, and providing legal assistance to victims of torture, arbitrary detention, and Syrian refugees facing the threat of deportation.