Violence against women in Lebanon: The judiciary issues a protection order for Tamara and charges Krystel’s husband

A new case of violence against women has recently come to the attention of the media recently namely young Tamara (21) who escaped death after being severely beaten and tortured by her husband. Tamara went to the Ouzai police station where she was examined by the legal doctor who issued a report detailing bruises all over her body after which she went to Al Zahra hospital where she was admitted to intensive care for 48 hours.  Tamara suffered bleeding, a broken nose and severe contusions.  The Attorney General in Mount Lebanon, Judge Ghada Bou Alwan, issued an arrest warrant for the husband whilst Judge of urgent matters, Hasan Hamdan, issued a protection order for Tamara based on the new law 393 which was recently endorsed in Parliament. In a related vein, the Attorney General of Appeals, Samer Leisha3, charged Krystel’s husband with a crime of “causing suicide” according to article 535 of the penal code.  To be noted that Krystel’s husband was released two months ago and his file referred to the investigation judge in Mount Lebanon, Joseph Sfeir.

Furthermore, Al Akhbar newspaper reported the case of a woman who called the paper to talk about her predicament as she has been subjected to her husband’s violence and threats for more than three years.  The victim noted that she contacted Kafa who replied that it cannot help since it does not have the mandate to intervene and protect.  Kafa confirmed the matter when called by the newspaper.  Lawyer Nizar Saghieh stressed for his part that immediate intervention is needed and possible in this case and can be triggered by an organization or individual through notifying the relevant authorities.

Source: Al-Safir, Al-Safir, Al-Akhbar, Al-Akhbar, Al-Akhbar, 8, 9 and 10 June 2014