In March, media outlets were abuzz with the capture of a Ukrainian citizen, Khaled Al-Aeida, detained by Hezbollah in the southern suburbs of Beirut. Allegedly a Palestinian refugee from Syria and also an Ukrainian national, Al-Aeida faced accusations of espionage for Israel and was purportedly involved in thwarted bombing plots and assassination attempts.
Amid Israeli airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, Al-Aeida found an opportune moment to escape. Exploiting the ensuing chaos, he fled from a clandestine Hezbollah prison and sought refuge at the Ukrainian embassy in Baabda, eventually vanishing from public sight.
This incident raised questions and criticism towards the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Minister Youssef Raji.
Sources familiar with the case informed 'Al-Markazia' that Ukraine’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Roman Hrynin, notified the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about an escapee who had been unlawfully detained by Hezbollah, stating that he suffered torture but managed to escape amid the chaos of the bombardment. His refuge at the Ukrainian embassy has sparked controversy, with calls from some circles to storm the embassy for sheltering a spy. The ambassador sought assistance from the ministry.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs communicated with the Ministries of Interior, Defense, Justice, and General Security, relaying the Ukrainian embassy's concerns. General Security reported that Al-Aeida is wanted by military courts for espionage with Israel, requesting the ministry to coordinate with the embassy for his extradition.
Recently, the Foreign Ministry received a verbal notification from the Ukrainian embassy stating that Al-Aeida had been issued a temporary passport and left the embassy, unknown to their officials, leaving his whereabouts unclear.
The more critical revelation, according to sources, is that the Ukrainian ambassador included in his dispatches a statement suggesting that Lebanon could face legal liability since Al-Aeida was detained by an illegitimate group and not the Lebanese state itself. Ukraine might pursue legal action against Lebanon.
The sources emphasized that the ministry fulfilled its responsibilities until the ambassador's response, underscoring that it doesn't have police or judicial authority.
Additionally, the sources recalled the case of the Iranian ambassador who, despite being declared persona non grata, remains in Lebanon, challenging state authority. His visa is soon to expire, prompting questions about potential expulsion and accountability.