UN experts criticise the murder investigation's slow progress in Lebanon

 

The inquiry into the execution of Lebanese intellectual Lokman Slim two years ago has been moving too slowly, according to UN rights experts, who demanded that Beirut ensure accountability.

"It is incumbent on the Lebanese authorities to adequately investigate and bring to justice the culprits of this horrific act," the four objective specialists proclaimed.

A breach of the right to life may occur simply by failing to conduct a fast and thorough investigation.

On February 4, 2021, a day after his family reported him missing, 58-year-old Slim, a secular activist from a Shiite family, was found dead in his car.

Hezbollah's stronghold in southern Lebanon, where his body was discovered shot to death, was the target of his fierce criticism.

The UN special rapporteurs on extrajudicial killings, the independence of courts and attorneys, the right to free speech, and the plight of human rights defenders expressed dismay that no one had been held accountable for his assassination in their statement.

The experts, who were chosen by the UN Human Rights Council but did not speak on its behalf, said that "the State's obligation to protect freedom of opinion and expression also includes shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Lokman Slim and bringing those responsible to justice."

They claimed that "a culture of impunity not only gives Mr. Slim's killers more freedom, but it also chills civil society by encouraging other activists to self-censor."

The experts emphasised the need for "independent, impartial, prompt, thorough, effective, credible and transparent" investigations into homicides.

They demanded that the authorities expedite the inquiry and "guarantee that those responsible are held accountable without delay," saying that "so far, national authorities have offered no evidence that the ongoing investigations are in conformity with relevant international norms."

"Mr. Slim's family must quickly receive adequate reparations, the truth, and justice."