Offre Joie Help Decades-Old Cases Move Forward After Salvaging Judicial Archives

These aren’t ancient scrolls from a temple somewhere, they’re your judicial files…

If any of you have had the misfortune of walking into the justice palace in Beirut, or anywhere else in Lebanon, you probably felt a mixture of sadness, nausea and utter hopelessness. The state of the buildings that house our justice system make EDL seem like a 5-star hotel.

Smoking indoors, overflowing garbage bins, coffee stains on the floor, dust and paint chips on folders and files thrown haphazardly over each other with no discernible order, alphabetic, chronological or otherwise. It’s a disaster.

Offre Joie is an NGO I absolutely adore and admire. They’re always there doing the work no one else wants or could do, from rebuilding a family’s burnt down house a couple of weeks ago, to picking up and sorting the trash that swamped our streets during the garbage crisis’ peak in 2015. They work all over Lebanon, and embody what most of us hope and wish volunteer work and charitable action could be.

Why Organizing and Cleaning the Archives Matters

When my friend Mark Torbey told me what they’re planning to do, I was skeptical. Why do the job we pay government employees to do. Also, why help them prosecute the people who don’t have wastas? That was my first instinct.

Then, after reading Legal Agenda’s piece on the matter, I felt extreme gratitude and relief at the amazing job done by the men and women of Offre Joie.

The basement’s archives were wet, rotting, full of mould and infested with rats both alive and dead. These archives contained appeals court cases going back a whopping four decades.

Anyone unlucky enough to be familiar with never-ending court battles spanning years and decades will understand how frustrating it is when the judge postpones a session for 6 or 9 months, time and time again. What you might not know, is that often this happens cause no one can find the case file in the cesspool of neglect and corruption that were the Appeals Court archives in Beirut.

Thanks to Offre Joie, 35+ years of lawsuits on hold for the absurd reason of not finding files in that pigsty of a room, can now resume. A friend of mine who’s a lawyer was so happy, he asked me who was behind Offre Joie so he could thank them for basically reviving cases most people, judges and lawyers alike, thought were forever lost in that black hole of a room.

Maintaining The Archives

There is absolutely no excuse why such an important public facility was in that unforgivable state. However, while most of us would whine and curse, Offre Joie rolled up their sleeves and actually did something to make the situation better.

I hope those responsible for maintaining this archive get inspired from these young men and women’s selflessness and virtue, and make sure that the archives don’t fall into disrepair and turn into a pile of rotting garbage again. After all, these are people’s lives and livelihoods at stake, and whatever little faith in our judiciary taxpayers still have. This must not and cannot happen again, and even though I am endlessly grateful to Offre Joie, this is the government’s job and they need to start doing it instead of waiting for good citizens to go above and beyond to do something that should be a given: organize and clean a room full of JUDICIAL RECORDS AND FILES…

Lebanese Judge Rules Graffiti not a Crime in Landmark Victory for Freedom of Expression

When the horrendous Lebanese government decided to hike up all our taxes before they eventually slightly raised a part of Lebanese people’s salaries, many upstanding citizens went down to protest. They were protesting the proposed 5000LBP increase on fuel to pay to export our unsorted garbage, in one of the saddest chapters in the humiliating, still ongoing trash crisis.

That was in 2016, if you can believe it. A brave group of activists spray painted those cement blocks they put in Beirut to force us to pay for valets and expensive parking, with phrases like the ones below:

They were arrested for doing that, and it’s been in the courts since then.

Those indicted were two lawyers: Marwan Maalouf and Fouad Debes, two activists: Mathieu Torbey and Cynthia Sleimam, and journalist Mary Jose Azzi.

This week, Judge Abir Safa proved once again that judges are often our only salvation in Lebanon, especially in the face of such a ruling political class that is against any meaningful legislative reform unless it makes them get richer off our backs.

The judge exonerated all those indicted on all three counts they were charged with.

The first were 3 articles of slander and libel. The judge decided that it didn’t constitute slander and libel, given no one specific was mentioned or defamed, but instead the general performance and policies of Lebanon’s government. Activists 1, corrupt government 0.

The second charge against the activists was vandalism and destruction of public property. The judge saw the stencils being sprayed as a form of peaceful expression and did not see intent to vandalize or destroy in this legal form of speech.

The most absurd charge was “placing ads on historical monuments”. Now, I don’t know who exactly chose that charge, but if Solidere cement blocks designed to make you pay Valets is a historical monument, then I’m a bikini super model. Luckily, the judge disagreed with this charge, and did not see this form of peaceful protest as an “advertisement”.

Judges Can Make or Break Lebanon

Just as we got wind of this beautiful decision, a day later, another judge set free a wife beater and murderer, in a blow to women’s rights and the country’s fight against wide-spread and unchecked domestic violence.

This is why judges like Joyce Akiki, and the judge in this case, Judge Abir Safa, are progressive examples who embody the ideals that make Lebanon special: freedom, tolerance and the respect of free speech and the press. It’s why we need to celebrate these judges and support their decisions in the face of our corrupt politial establishment. It’s also why we need to condemn judges who bring Lebanon down, and let the killers of Lebanese women off the hook because of pressure from bad people in high positions.

VICTORY: Lebanon Will No Longer Prosecute Marijuana Use

I know that most of the news we get in Lebanon, is depressing and hope-killing. But last night, while I was working late, I got a call that made me jump up and down with happiness, then sit down and silently contemplate what it means for Lebanon, and especially its embattled youth.

What is it

Today, Judge Samir Hammoud issued a circular, which is binding, to all district attorneys in Lebanon, ordering them to not prosecute drug users caught in Lebanon anymore. So, it’s not just weed, but all drug use offenses.

This is nothing new, this is the actual law in Lebanon, where users should be referred to the “Addiction Committee” instead of arrested and prosecuted. However, for some reason, only 3% of all cases since this law was enacted were actually referred to this committee.

With this circular, this means that it’s no longer individual judges who decide if they let users go to this committee, the law dictates it, and this order reiterates that in a binding fashion that security forces can no longer hinder or dispute.

This is huge news, and you must inform yourselves and those you care about as soon as possible. If you ever fall into the hell that is being arrested by Lebanon’s drug enforcement, make sure you know your rights, and that your loved ones know and follow it up to make sure no one robs you of your liberty and dignity for absolutely no good reason.

Be Careful Though

You might no longer get prosecuted for using drugs, but for now, it’s still a crime. In other words, you can still get arrested for it, and you will have to undergo an investigation. This means you can spend up to 4 days in custody, before being released, which is 48 hours for “investigation” which can be renewed once, totalling 4 days (more if you’re caught on a Friday, given the weekends don’t count, which is why big drug crackdowns always seem to happen before the weekend, or before national holidays, to maximize the time held in custody, to shake out a bribe).

This news might be great for most of you, but it’s horrible news for all the corrupt people in our government and security forces. Taking bribes for arresting people was a massive, multi-million-dollar-a-year industry. So, this puts a huge stick in the bike wheel of people making a thousand, two thousand or three thousand per case (with more than 3000 a year), to release arrested users before they get to see a judge.

No one gives up that kind of money-making scheme lightly, and some drug enforcement people will be extra malicious in how they try to entrap innocent users.

I’m saying this so you all stay careful. More so now, because even if the law is on taxpayers’ side, we all know how Lebanon’s corrupt system, without any accountability, can backfire and cause hell for you, your family and your friends.

However, this time all eyes are on this matter, and some great cops in drug enforcement are on the people’s side now in fighting this endemic corruption destroying so many lives. Also, people like Skoun have their eyes peeled, and you can let them know when the worst happens to you or someone you know, to make sure no one takes advantage of that anymore

One step closer to decriminalization

Today, the biggest hurdle on the path to decriminalization, and maybe even legalization, has been rendered obsolete. People always used the excuse “hey, that’s the law, we’re just executing it”. Funny they execute that, but don’t enforce decisions to stop new resorts occupying public beaches, or any of the many actual crimes that stay unhindered by the government…

Anyway, the law is finally on citizens’ side, and this means we are a few steps closer to a time where weed is no longer criminalized in Lebanon. Where users don’t even get arrested. Maybe even regulate and tax it, like we do for alcohol and tobacco.

A few words to wrap up

Don’t let this victory make you less wary and careful. Be smart, always be paranoid and never let your guard down. This hurts the bottom line of the most corrupt individuals in Lebanon, so expect a vicious push-back from them, and even bolder attempts to entrap citizens and taxpayers so they can still make money off of your plight and trauma.

But, while you should remain careful and attentive, you should also celebrate this sweet, sweet victory. It’s quite a feeling when after years of work and hope, you get some vindication and a big step closer to a more just and fair country, that doesn’t cannibalize its youth to make a quick buck off their desperation and terror.

I’d like to thank and salute my good friends with beautiful minds and the kindest hearts at SKOUN for the amazing work they’ve been doing over the years, work which turned this once far-fetched dream into a reality today. The country owes you for this great service, and is supporting you to keep marching forward and achieve even more victories on this perilous, difficult road to reform the misinterpreted laws that cause so much pain, loss and terror every single day for thousands upon thousands of innocent people.

Congratulations Lebanon, and thank you to everyone who believed in this, and spoke up against the tyranny. Every little comment on the heartbreaking ISF posts about busting kids for half a joint, helped more than you know ❤

Happy 420 Lebanon! Watch This and Know Your Rights!

Unfortunately, the judiciary in Lebanon has been making this law almost impossible to enforce, with a big chunk of Lebanese judges not even aware of its existence. 43% admitted they never refer drug users to the addiction committee. This is unacceptable, and must change ASAP, because the lives ruined and the grief and suffering people that only “appear” to use drugs go through, is far worse than what a rapist or murderer goes through in this country.

The first step is always knowing your rights. Don’t let this 420 be a nightmare for you and your loved ones. Also, since this year is very close to the elections, the witch hunt is ramping up, so that candidates can give you wastas in exchange for your votes. Be safe and here’s to hoping the next 420 will see marijuana use decriminalized in Lebanon!

What Happened to Asala is What Should Happen Under the Law

The country has been buzzing with the arrest of Egypt-based Syrian singer Asala at the airport for possession of drugs this week. I will not go into the details of what happened, I don’t even know who she is or that she’s famous.

What happened is that she was arrested at the airport for possession of drugs. A few hours later, she was released from custody at the airport after police from the Hbeich precinct interrogated her, and the online Lebanese community went haywire with conspiracy theories.

This is How the Law Should Work

In Lebanon, drug users that are arrested can ask for treatment at the police precinct. The ISF then has to immediately refer them to something called the Addiction Committee. This committee then assesses each case and decides the appropriate treatment. Some people might go get a detox center, others to out-patient rehab centers like Skoun, or to in-patient ones like Oum El Nour.

The point is, those that want to seek treatment are no longer arrested, and released from custody. Asala got that. The other 3599 people that will be arrested this year, probably won’t.

This “wasta” for a star showed us how the law should actually work. However, if you’re a university student caught smoking a joint, or just arousing suspicion you might smoke, you would spend days and weeks before seeing a judge in sub-human detention conditions.

Status of the Addiction Committee

In 2013, the committee was finally appointed, years after the Lebanese parliament ratified the law. Since then, it meets monthly and studies cases. Several people since 2013 have been released from custody, and their records were kept clean after showing intent to get treated.

However, only 3% of total arrests since 2013 actually got to the Addictions Committee. It’s partly because most people don’t even know that’s their right. Another major reason is that most judges outside of Beirut and Mount Lebanon don’t agree on transferring cases of drug users to the committee, which is a shame on Lebanon’s human rights record.

This is unacceptable, yet understandable in Lebanon. The business of catching pot smokers and blackmailing them with bribes is a lucrative one, and one few people dare speak out against.

There is no denying it is a major issue, especially for Lebanon’s youth, who spend years in court for a victimless act, that is not really a crime, while violent thugs roam the streets unchecked, and instead of doing something about it, the Lebanese government just encourages reinstating the death penalty… As if they’d let their own thugs get executed, the same thugs that never go to jail, pay a fine or register their cars. Please…

It’s Time for Change

It’s 2017. I partnered up with Skoun for their #SupportDontPunish campaign. It’s time for change, especially since elections are coming up. There is absolutely no excuse to keep drug policies that are exponentially worse than the adverse effects of addiction. Drugs are a public health issue, not a criminal one. The ones in jail should be the killers of people like Eliane Safatly, who escaped jail because of negligence (or was it?) by the security forces overseeing his arrest and loopholes in our ancient judicial system that relies on faxes and snail mail. The ones in jail shouldn’t be 3500+ young men and women every year. Khlosna ba2a.

Help Skoun advocate for policy change, and help those who need treatment to overcome their addictions.

The Death Penalty is Wrong.

Before I start, allow me to express my sadness and compassion to Roy’s family. I know there are no words that would help, but I am glad the suspects have been arrested, and look forward to seeing them pay the price for the horrible crime they have committed.

When the Death Penalty Fever in Lebanon Flares Up

It’s maybe normal to feel the urge for revenge after horrible events happen to someone in Lebanon. Who among us wouldn’t love it if a horrible person dies horribly as justice for what they’ve done? The question is though, who will succumb to that visceral urge for revenge, and who will make the decision to never kill as a society, no matter what, but punish the irredeemables and try to rehabilitate ones with lesser crimes.

Every time a case like Roy’s, or Sara’s, or any of the amazing young men and women we have lost so often in Lebanon for the most unacceptable of reasons, that should never result in someone’s death.

I asked on Twitter where people stood on the death penalty, and at the time of writing this post, it was an even 60% against, and 40% for.

https://twitter.com/GinoRaidy/status/872815445321166850

I am in the against camp, no matter what, and here’s why

Killing is Wrong

Absolutely no circumstance makes it ok to kill another person. Self-defense isn’t premeditated murder, and when someone kills in self-defense, they do not intend to murder, just to protect themselves. It’s absolutely not the same like calmly, years later, killing someone as a society.

Execution Doesn’t Deter Crime

No one thinks, “oh, damn, I don’t wanna get the death penalty, I’m not gonna kill this person! But if it was just life behind bars, sure, I’d go murder people and nothing would deter me!”. Come on. And if you’re still skeptical, every study made demonstrates there is absolutely no deterrent force as a result of executions. It just doesn’t affect if people will murder or not.

It Doesn’t Help the Victims’ Families

Aside from the “revenge killings” and “honor crimes” people, no one in their right mind would think killing someone else would bring them any sort of relief. It’s easy to yell for blood being spilt when you’re not directly affected by a crime, but trust me, if someone you love has been killed, the last thing that would quiet your grief is killing the person. Justice does, and there is no worse punishment than the rest of your life in a Lebanese prison.

When the State Kills, We Kill

When the state executes someone, the state includes you. Most people that are part of the state are not ok with their representative authorities killing someone. This is a deep question, and not one that’s case by case or crime by crime. Either we decide as a society to not include killing in our justice system, or we decide to kill some to appease a perverse sense of vigilante justice.

Judicial Reform is What Lebanon Needs

You’re a terrorist piece of shit that beheaded Lebanese soldiers and killed innocent civilians. You are the worst of the worst. A government official’s car is sent to pick you up from prison, and you’re free. In your arrest, you managed to kill a Lebanese police officer. The real massive issue here isn’t that you weren’t executed, it’s that a political leader got you out of jail, despite your heinous crimes and a martyr from Lebanon’s police force.

The answer to that isn’t killing criminals. It’s making sure that politicians who try to help criminals escape justice and their sentences, get sentences of their own and go to jail to join whoever they were trying to get off the hook.

Giving the excuse that our politicians are too corrupt and will always bail out really bad guys, so that’s why we need to kill criminals, is absolutely fucking insane, and unbelievably stupid.

Killing is wrong. Lebanon should never bring back the death penalty.

Lebanon technically still didn’t officially abolish the death penalty, however, no crime has a mandatory death sentence since 2001, which basically means the courts never have to execute anyone, and thus haven’t since 2004. In other words, Lebanon has de-facto abolished the death penalty, and if anything, we need to remove the possibility altogether, not reinstate it as mandatory.

As for politicians who use terrible crimes to rile up the crowd with calls for death penalty returning, you should be ashamed of yourselves for making use of a family’s grief to rile up your base.