Fadi Abi Allam, founder of the Permanent Movement for Peace. (Credit: Abi Allam's facebook account)
Joy, sorrow, pride or outrage: gunshots go hand in hand with most of the social events in Lebanon. Where does this tradition, which is found in all communities and areas, and whose consequences are sometimes fatal, come from? How can we explain the fact that, despite the people that are being killed every year as a result of this lethal act, it remains a common practice? Fadi Abi Allam, founder of the Permanent Peace Movement, which has been working for over 20 years on arms control and the prevention of armed conflict, answered L’Orient-Le Jour’s questions.
The use of firearms to shoot into the air at funerals, weddings or when the results of the exams are announced, may seem paradoxical. But it’s an age-old practice in Lebanon. When did it start?
In Lebanon’s ancient and modern history, the issue of firearms has been a key component of the different communities that make up the country. Each community justifies that it is carrying weapons for self-defense purposes. As for celebratory gunshots, they are as old as the hills! Before humans were able to express their joy or sadness through words or art, they did so through noise. Shooting in the air is part of this ancient tradition. If firearms did not make noise, this phenomenon would probably not exist. However, this practice is carried out without taking into account the potential damage that the bullet causes when it comes into the land or ricochets. Two issues are uncovered [here]: The practice of celebratory shooting and the presence of weapons. It is important to work on these two issues so as to guarantee the right to personal safety.
Did the 1975-1990 Civil War play a role in the development of this practice?
The war years undoubtedly reinforced this already common practice, due to widespread lawlessness and the proliferation of weapons in society. Firing guns into the air during the events was used to send to political enemies the message that ‘we have guns and we’re ready to use them.’ In short, it was a way of showing muscle and establishing a balance of power. The war therefore increased the presence and use of weapons, particularly during celebrations.
How can we overcome this practice that kills an average of 10 people a year and seems unabated?
The problem of celebratory gunfire can only be resolved through a combination of actions. Today, discussions are focused on Law no. 71 and the penalties. But before sanctioning this practice, we should try to prevent it. Before the end of exams, schools could send a message to parents warning them of the danger of this practice. Since these shootings often take place at weddings or funerals, religious leaders also have a role to assume in raising awareness of the issue. Moreover, the local authorities have a role to play, particularly in the villages, where they can more easily identify those responsible for firing into the air. They must warn potential shooters that they will not help them get out of prison if they commit such an act. There are also the tribal chiefs, whose role continues to be very important in some parts of Lebanon.This is added to of course the political leaders, associations and the media...
It is difficult to settle a cultural practice with a single article of law. It’s up to all the players involved in shaping public opinion to assume their part in changing the way people perceive firing gunshots into the air. Even the artists, given that some films and TV series encourage and glorify the use of weapons, [have a role]. It is a collective responsibility and the solution must come from an overall change. In this sense, compliance with the law must come at the end of a long chain of efforts, not before them. In addition to sanctions, there is another way of using the law and it would be the introduction of an amnesty that would ensure that people wishing to hand over their weapons will not be brought before the courts.
This article was originally published by L'Orient-Le Jour. Translated by Joelle El Khoury.