Samy Gemayel, leader of the Kataeb Party, called on the Lebanese government on Monday to take immediate action to address the fate of Lebanese citizens detained and forcibly disappeared in Syria, describing it as a pressing humanitarian issue.
In a letter to Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Gemayel posed several critical questions about the matter and urged the government to provide answers within 15 days.
He highlighted the urgency of resolving the issue, noting that 622 Lebanese citizens remain imprisoned in Syrian jails, many of whom have been detained for over three decades under the regime of Bashar al-Assad.
“This is a humanitarian priority that cannot be delayed,” Gemayel stressed, urging the cabinet to act quickly to ensure justice and accountability.
The issue has taken on renewed significance following the announcement on December 5 regarding the release of hundreds of prisoners from Syrian jails, which reportedly included Lebanese citizens.
Gemayel called on the government to investigate the identities of these individuals and work to facilitate their safe return to Lebanon.
He also emphasized the importance of collaborating with international organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, to expedite the process.
“The government must not remain passive. It must take every possible step to uncover the truth about these detainees and reunite them with their families,” Gemayel stated.
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