The assassination of Lebanese activist and researcher Luqman Salim continues to haunt Lebanon, as the fourth anniversary of his death coincides with a controversial judicial decision that has sparked widespread outrage. Bilal Halawi, the first investigating judge in Beirut, issued a ruling that has been met with disappointment and anger, particularly from Salim’s family and legal team. The decision, which claims a lack of evidence to identify the perpetrators, has been criticized as a failure of justice in a case that has already been marred by political interference.
Judge Halawi’s decision stated, “the lack of evidence about the identity of the perpetrators of the crime to arrest them and their market for justice.” He accused “unknown persons of being behind the kidnapping and liquidation of Luqman Selim,” and ordered a constant report to determine their identities. However, the ruling has been widely condemned for its lack of progress and perceived bias.The judge noted that investigations relied on footage from the cameras of the international emergency forces operating in southern Lebanon (UNIFIL), but the analysis revealed that these cameras “do not pick up their surroundings,” leaving no monitoring records outside their centers.
The decision has been met with fierce criticism from Salim’s family and the prosecution team, who argue that Judge Halawi “underwent pressure practiced by Hezbollah” and ignored crucial evidence. The prosecution team stated that the judge “struck the wall all the notes he submitted and the requests he provided,” effectively halting any meaningful progress in the case. Lawyer Diyala Shehadeh, a prosecutor, emphasized that the decision “neglected very important aspects of the investigations conducted by the Information division of the Internal Security Forces,” which had provided evidence of Hezbollah’s involvement in the crime. Shehadeh added, “The investigating judge not only refrained from deciding on the requests that we submitted, but also cut off the way for all efforts to provide international security cooperation to reveal the actors.”
The case has also drawn international attention, with Germany initially offering technical assistance. However, the German delegation later declined to implement this support, further complicating the investigation. This lack of international cooperation has been seen as a critically important setback in uncovering the truth behind Salim’s assassination.Rasha Al-Amir, Salim’s sister, expressed her frustration with the judicial system, stating, ”Luqman is on many crosses, and the judiciary is the cave of Ali Baba, the judiciary in a country that protects the killers and terrorists.” She added, ”Justice is the king, and the resurrection of this destroyed country will not be established without strict and honest justice.” Al-Amir’s poignant words highlight the deep-seated mistrust in Lebanon’s legal system, which many believe has been compromised by political forces.
Salim’s assassination is not just a personal tragedy but a symbol of the broader struggles facing Lebanon. His sister recalled his words, “I am afraid that the Shiites today need a calamity to wake up from what they are in,” underscoring the urgency for accountability and reform. The case remains a stark reminder of the challenges in achieving justice in a country where political interference often overshadows the rule of law.
Key Points in the Luqman Salim Case
| Aspect | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Judicial Decision | Judge Bilal Halawi ruled a lack of evidence to identify perpetrators. |
| Criticism | Family and prosecution team accuse Hezbollah of pressuring the judge. |
| International Support | Germany initially offered assistance but later withdrew. |
| Family’s Response | Rasha Al-Amir condemned the judiciary, calling it a “cave of Ali Baba.” |
| Broader Implications | Case highlights systemic issues in Lebanon’s justice system. |
The unresolved assassination of Luqman Salim continues to cast a shadow over Lebanon, raising urgent questions about the integrity of its judicial system and the influence of political forces. As the country grapples with these challenges, the call for justice remains louder than ever.
