State security logo. (NNA)
BEIRUT — The State Security directorate will enforce "severe" punishments against those found guilty of allegedly torturing a Syrian detainee to death last week at a regional office of the security apparatus in Bint Jbeil, South Lebanon, the directorate said in a statement Monday.
"The most severe sanctions will be taken against anyone found guilty of violating the clear instructions of the directorate, in terms of human rights and the fight against violence and torture," the statement said, noting that the detainee had been an alleged member of the Islamic State group.
The death of Syrian national Bashar Abdel Saoud, due to a heart attack caused by reportedly violent treatment at the hands of security agents, was followed a few hours later by social media users spreading images of his remains. The pictures sparked public shock and anger. The Lebanese Center for Human Rights and several Lebanese officials called on Saturday for the country's security apparatus to be held accountable for the death.