Arrest of a man suspected of burning a minor in Zgharta

The Lebanese police announced, in a statement published Wednesday, the arrest of an individual who confessed to burning a minor the day before, in Majdalaya, in the Zgharta district.

According to the General Directorate of Internal Security Forces (ISF), the man, a 26-year-old Lebanese, worked in a vehicle dismantling workshop. He poured gasoline on a 13-year-old boy, also Lebanese, who was employed in an auto repair garage neighboring the attacker's workshop, and then set fire to the victim. Severely burned, the young boy was rushed to a hospital in Tripoli (North Lebanon), while the attacker fled.

Less than 24 hours after the incident, law enforcement located and apprehended the suspect. During his interrogation, he admitted the facts and explained that the tragedy occurred "following a personal dispute that escalated." He was handed over to the competent judicial authority for further proceedings.

A recent series of crimes and offenses across the country have shaken public opinion in recent days. On Monday, caretaker Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi announced several measures taken by security forces. He notably mentioned the intensification of patrols across the territory, the reinforcement of law enforcement personnel, and emphasized that the Lebanese army would maintain "increased surveillance" of the border area between Northeast Lebanon and Syria, calling for "enhanced cooperation with Syrian authorities." He stated that "the number of arrests is increasing" in Lebanon, noting that 1,920 people had been apprehended for various offenses during the month of January.