In recent weeks, the rate of crimes committed by Syrians in Lebanon has risen, particularly murders, which have become a significant cause for concern and a direct reason for calls to repatriate Syrian refugees to their homeland or any other destination. This issue has turned into a heated political debate, especially after the European Commission recently announced support for Lebanon with a sum of one billion euros, which opponents consider a "bribe" aimed at keeping refugees in the country.
Public anger in Lebanon has been further fueled by the involvement of Syrians in several very serious crimes, most notably the participation of six Syrian nationals in the kidnapping and murder of Pascal Suleiman, a coordinator for Lebanon's Forces Party in the city of Jbeil, who was then buried in Syrian territory. Additionally, a Syrian named Khalaf Barghash recently killed an employee at a hotel in Beirut, Zainab Mattouk, for reasons still unknown, and fled to his country. Last week concluded with the stabbing incident involving two Syrian nationals and a Lebanese boy in the Furn El Chebbak area, who narrowly escaped death thanks to divine intervention.
**Responsibility of the State**
There are several reasons prompting some Syrians residing in Lebanon, regardless of their legal status, to break the law and commit crimes, including the economic and social crisis and the state's diminishing ability to uphold the rule of law.
Security researcher Brigadier General Khaled Hamada asserts that the core problem lies in the state's irresponsible handling of the displacement crisis from the outset and the absence of controls that would keep refugees under the supervision of security authorities. In a statement to "Asharq Al-Awsat," he noted that the state has not dealt with the Syrian refugee issue as other countries such as Turkey, Jordan, and Egypt have, placing significant responsibility on the Lebanese state for the current widespread crime. He expressed concern that some parties might exploit the refugee issue for political gain.
**Weak Security Resources**
Lebanese security institutions acknowledge their limited resources and their reduced capacity to enforce the rule of law and proactive security measures. A source in the Ministry of Interior emphasizes that the rise in crime is not due to intentional negligence by security agencies, but rather a decrease in their capabilities caused by difficult economic conditions.
The source confirms to "Asharq Al-Awsat" that the main problem lies in the reduction of the number of officers and personnel within the security apparatus, particularly the Internal Security Forces responsible for maintaining security and order. They state that it is unreasonable that since 2017, no recruitment exams have been held for new security personnel due to a government decision to halt hiring, while hundreds retire annually. The ministry has attempted to enlist municipal police, especially in the capital Beirut, to fill the gaps in security forces, but their effectiveness has not been sufficient.
**Need for Political Decision**
However, according to Brigadier General Hamada, controlling the security situation and combating crime does not necessarily require increasing the number of security personnel as much as it requires a political decision implemented by security agencies on the ground. He argues that the situation of refugees can be controlled, and consequently their crimes can be significantly reduced, when they are subjected to the law and put under the surveillance of municipalities or police patrols, distinguishing between genuine refugees and those who exploit this status for other purposes.
Hamada emphasizes that Syrians committing crimes in Lebanon are influenced by their environment; when they perceive that the law is not respected and feel there are no effective judicial measures, it encourages them to commit violations and engage in criminal activities.
**Crimes Committed by Refugees in Numbers**
The International Information Foundation prepared a report in mid-last month regarding the rate of crimes committed by Syrians, revealing that 40% of Syrians in Lebanon reside illegally, while the estimated number of refugees, according to the General Security, is about 2.1 million, constituting around 43% of the total population in Lebanon.
The report detailed that the crime statistics for detained Syrians in Lebanese prisons are distributed as follows: 22% for violating regulations and laws, 19% for various crimes, 18% for fraud and drug trafficking, 15% for illegal entry, 8% for human trafficking and theft, 7% for forgery, and 3% for murder. Given that the number of Syrians in Lebanon exceeds one-third of the Lebanese population, it is natural for them to make up one-third of the prison population, according to a knowledgeable security source.
The source tells "Asharq Al-Awsat": Not all detained Syrians committed crimes on their own; rather, most belong to gangs and networks led by Lebanese, who find it easy to recruit Syrians into their activities. There are professional gangs active in car theft, drug trafficking, and robbery, enticing some Syrians with money to work for them.
