Ministry of Justice says it is closely following investigations into Mohammad Harkous' death

BEIRUT — The Ministry of Justice said on Monday that investigations into the case of the death of the young man Mohammad Harkous are being followed up seriously, in a statement relayed by the state-run National News Agency (NNA).

Harkous died earlier this month under unclear circumstances following his arrest and interrogation by the Lebanese Army in Beirut’s southern suburbs. A security source told al-Arabiya.net on Friday that he was detained over a case of document forgery.

In the statement released on Monday, the Ministry confirmed that the "investigations are being seriously followed up by the competent judiciary, and monitored by the Minister of Justice, Adel Nassar, within the limits of his authority and in coordination with the relevant judicial bodies, in order to fully uncover the truth and take the necessary legal measures in accordance with due process."

It added that Nassar is confident that the judiciary is determined to pursue this case without any hesitation and away from any interference, regardless of its nature.

The Harkous family had accused Hezbollah and the army of being responsible for their son’s arrest, alleged torture and death. In statement released on Saturday, the Lebanese Army did not directly deny possible acts of torture, but said that after Harkous' arrest for interrogation, he was transferred to the hospital when health symptoms appeared that required a medical examination, and he subsequently died in the hospital.

Meanwhile, a Hezbollah source told our publication last week that contrary to the family’s account, it was members of the army who apprehended Harkous, and he died while in the custody of the army’s intelligence service.