Syrian refugees humiliated in Lebanon by Army, Hezbollah

By Zaman Staff; Translation by Yusra Ahmed

(Zaman Al Wasl)-  Lebanese Army supported with Hezbollah’s militias, had acted in discriminating and hostile way against Syrian refugees since the beginning of the revolution, and their actions became more obvious and annoying lately.

Many Syrian refugees complained from the bad treatment they receive at the barrier separating Wadi Khalid area from the rest of the North in Lebanon. Many confirmed to Zaman al-Wasl that Shedra’s barrier prevented them leaving the area.

Many expressed their desperation for being stuck in the area and not permitted to leave to their homes, because Hezbollah’s militias, in Lebanese army’s clothes, prevented them from leaving.

Many Syrians declared that members controlling Shedra’s barrier show their hate and hostility to the Syrians. They mention the time when 200 Syrians were detained during al-Hosn citadel battle about 6 months ago, in which the Syrian regime invaded the town. The barrier still arrests Syrians especially after the troubles in Tripoli and Ersal, under claim of fighting terrorism.

About 50 towns took a chance of Ersal’s troubles to impose curfew on Syrians and limit their movements and normal lives, which deepened the feeling of alienation and discrimination.

A source reported to Zaman al-Wasl that Lebanese intelligence forces controlled by Hezbollah, arrested Syrians without reasons, even if they provide the card of United Nation Higher Commission for Refugees “UNHCR”.

Lebanon alone, with its population of just 4.5 million, has taken in about a third of the 3.3 million people that have fled Syria because of the war. Another 6.5 million people are displaced within Syria itself, according to AP.

Some detainees told their hard experience inside detention centres of Lebanese intelligence, and confirmed that they were tortured and humiliated physically and verbally by Hezbollah’s members.

“You should’ve thanked God that I had arrested you when I had been wearing the Lebanese Army’s uniform, otherwise, I would have beheaded you if I had been done my duty as Hezbollah’s member” a detainee told the intimidation he was subject to.