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Mawlawi: Crime rate in Lebanon not rising, despite crises

Mawlawi says Lebanon has not witnessed an increase in its crime rate so far this year in comparison with the same period in 2021

Mawlawi: Crime rate in Lebanon not rising, despite crises

Caretaker Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi on Sept. 13, 2021. (Credit: Anwar Amro/AFP)

BEIRUT — Caretaker Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi said Tuesday that the crime rate in Lebanon has not increased so far this year, despite the many crises the country is facing, in comparison with the same period last year. The caretaker minister's remarks came during a press conference after a meeting of the Central Security Council.

"We are not witnessing an increase in the crime rate, and the security situation in Tripoli is much better," Mawlawi said.

Mawlawi announced in September that a "sustainable" security plan had been devised for North Lebanon after several deadly shooting incidents in the city.

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Mawlawi's statement opposes that of General Security chief Abbas Ibrahim in June, who at the time said he was concerned about "social instability" and stated that this worried him "more than political instability" in the country.

Lebanese Army chief Joseph Aoun also issued a warning on Thursday of possible security incidents during the presidential vacuum that started on Nov. 1 after the end of Michel Aoun's mandate.

The caretaker minister also stated that the Information Division has so far this year arrested eight terrorist cells, without giving any further details "in adhesion to the professionalism and confidentiality of the investigation." He said that he decided to disclose the information regarding the arrests "to reassure the Lebanese that the security services are keen to secure their protection.”

He also assured citizens that security apparatuses across the country are working “hard on combating crime, smugglers, and drug traffickers in Lebanon.”

Mawlawi added that the authorities are following up on the situation in prisons across the country to make sure that all facilities are functioning properly. Already overcrowded, Lebanese prisons have been hit hard by the country’s unprecedented economic crisis since October 2019. In March 2021, Public Prosecutor Ghassan Oueidat opened an investigation following press reports that there was a risk of starvation inside prisons.

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Regarding the authorization he gave earlier Tuesday to initiate legal proceedings against the former director general of the Road Traffic Department, Hoda Salloum, for "professional negligence," Mawlawi assured during the conference that he will not cover up on “any corrupt figures” and that Salloum’s case is being followed up by the competent judiciary.

He assured citizens that the caretaker government will continue its work, and “will complete all necessary work to protect the citizens and the country," despite the fact that Najib Mikati's cabinet is currently serving in a caretaker capacity. 

He concluded by asking “citizens, politicians and the media to keep the political debate away from the atmosphere of tension that affects the security situation in Lebanon."


BEIRUT — Caretaker Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi said Tuesday that the crime rate in Lebanon has not increased so far this year, despite the many crises the country is facing, in comparison with the same period last year. The caretaker minister's remarks came during a press conference after a meeting of the Central Security Council."We are not witnessing an increase in the crime rate, and...