A 17-year-old Syrian minor was subjected to severe physical assault by two individuals, one of whom is reported to be the aide of Deputy Adib Abdul Masih. In this context, Deputy Bilal Al Hashimi condemned the "heinous act" committed by a group of thugs whose hearts are devoid of feelings, compassion, and mercy, as they assaulted a young minor with all their strength for trivial reasons. He stated, "This foolishness and all the disgusting allegations and assaults are completely unacceptable regardless of the nationality and affiliations of the victim."
He added, "This audacity against people and this criminal behavior would not have occurred without the rampant populist, racist mobilization against Syrian displaced persons and the freedom granted to municipalities and committees to act as if they were judicial authorities. The assailants must be brought to justice and be prosecuted and held accountable for this grave act before the situation spirals out of control, leading to unforeseen consequences."
A video shows aides of Deputy Abdul Masih in the Lebanese Parliament attacking a Syrian boy in Kfar Aaka, northern Lebanon, causing multiple fractures to his body. This has raised a call to action to the security forces and Lebanese judiciary.
Clarification from Abdul Masih
In response to the incident, Deputy Adib Abdul Masih's office issued a statement saying: "The deputy, who is currently outside Lebanon, has learned of the tragic incident which is the result of a personal altercation between a Syrian national and one of his aides along with another young man."
The statement added, "The deputy wishes to clarify that this altercation is outside working hours and personal, and he has no connection to it. He rejects the logic of violence against any person, be they Lebanese or foreign, and leaves the matter to the concerned authorities and judiciary to investigate and achieve justice."
The statement concluded, "We absolutely reject politicizing this individual issue and request that media outlets exercise accuracy and caution in conveying information." The deputy sent his chief of staff, Brigadier Joseph Yaqub, to visit the injured in the hospital, check on his health, and offer assistance if needed, wishing him a speedy recovery.
