Have we entered an era of organized crime, or is what we are witnessing merely skirmishes before a security breakdown? Dozens of incidents are reported daily and weekly, with three murders occurring in less than three days... So who will stop this? What is the connection between the judges' sit-in and the rise in crime? It is clear that security is unstable, with most reasons behind these incidents being trivial. Between the crime in Wadi Khalil involving supporters and the Zarariyah, which resulted in the death of young Ali Mahdi, and the crime in Aqbatniyit that claimed the life of young Eli Mattah, the reality is the same: murder has become pervasive. The perpetrators of the crimes are both Lebanese and Syrians; some kill out of revenge while others act based on their "ISIS-like" ideology. Between these two, security is on the brink of explosion and has become uncontrollable. Nabatieh is no longer the secure haven it once was known for; it now lives in significant conflict. What is happening today is more than serious, it threatens to lead to significant security chaos, as weapons are now used for every "slight issue," and knife attacks characterize every conflict between two people, with a large number of injuries, some of which are kept under wraps while others are made public. It has reached a point where everyone is convinced that we are heading towards the worse.
No one denies that most crimes are committed under the influence of drugs, as the percentage of addicted youth has risen alarmingly. These individuals are relied upon to carry out crimes, thefts, and more. The incident in Harouf is still fresh in minds, where one addict stabbed another with a knife and nearly took his life. The Nabatieh incident is also unforgettable, as the perpetrators were known for their criminal records and addiction, brandishing weapons in front of the innocent, terrifying people who experienced severe moments. The recent incident at the Kafr Joz intersection indicates rising danger: an altercation led to gunfire, then a brawl, resulting in a serious security situation. Such incidents would not occur if there were strict judicial actions capable of holding criminals accountable. The investigation into the murder of Ali Mahdi may never proceed, even though all information aligns with it being carried out for theft motives, as the case will not reach the judiciary which has been on sit-in for months.
The judges' retreat from their duties may lead to legitimizing crime. Citizens now understand beforehand that issues will not land them in prison, which has reportedly exacerbated the security chaos, according to a following human rights source, who pointed out that "the country has become more exposed to crime than before, with two or three crimes recorded every day, not to mention repeated thefts and assaults." It seems that a dangerous phase has begun with the country's security exposure, raising fears that economic deterioration will lead to further crimes.
