Prime Minister Tammam Salam described the torture inflicted on Roumieh prison Islamist inmates as “a disgraceful, unethical act that violates the constitution,” urging the judicial and security apparatuses “to follow through with their transparent investigations and impose the appropriate criminal and disciplinary penalties against those involved.”
Salam’s statement came during a meeting held with Ministers of Interior Nouhad al-Mashnouq and Justice Ashraf Rifi, Public Prosecutor Judge Samir Hammoud and Director General of the Internal Security Forces Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Basbous at the Grand Serail.
Salam voiced his support to the measures taken by Ministers al-Mashnouq and Rifi aimed at addressing this case,” calling for keeping this issue within its legal framework and away from political biddings.
The PM also stressed his keenness on “protecting state institutions,” warning against any attempt to exploit these behaviors to distort the image of the Internal Security Forces.”
Prior to the meeting, Minister Rifi denied reports stating that the movements staged in Tripoli (after the video showing torture of Roumieh inmates was leaked) took place under his cover.
He stressed that he will coordinate with former Prime Minister Saad Hariri and Minister al-Mashnouq to restore calm and stability to the streets.
“I was shocked when I watched the video leaked from Roumieh prison, since such behavior is not produced in Lebanon, but is considered as Syrian regime remnants,” he stated.