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Virus Cases on the Rise in Lebanon's Biggest Prison

AFP file photo of prisoners at Roumieh Prison
AFP file photo of prisoners at Roumieh Prison
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Virus Cases on the Rise in Lebanon's Biggest Prison

AFP file photo of prisoners at Roumieh Prison
AFP file photo of prisoners at Roumieh Prison

Lebanon's largest prison has more than 200 coronavirus cases, the head of the doctors' union, Sharaf Abu Sharaf, warned Thursday, calling for speedy trials to ease overcrowding.

"There are more than 200 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Roumieh prison," Abu Sharaf told journalists in Beirut, after authorities first announced 22 cases at the weekend.

Abu Sharaf did not specify whether the new cases were all inmates or if they also included prison guards. But he blamed prisoners for the spike in infections, saying they were not abiding by health measures.

He also called on authorities to speed up trials to ease overcrowding, in a country where suspects can languish in jail for months without a hearing.

Roumieh prison houses more than 4,000 prisoners, around three times its intended capacity, and has long been infamous for its poor conditions, AFP reported.

A video leaked from the prison and shared widely across social media on Wednesday showed nearly 100 inmates demanding immediate measures to ease overcrowding in light of the virus outbreak.

A prisoner speaking on the group's behalf threatened a "river of blood" unless steps are taken.

Security authorities had first announced 22 coronavirus cases there on Saturday.

They include nine guards and 13 detainees who had been transferred to an isolation unit inside the jail.

Dozens of families of Roumieh detainees staged a protest in front of a Beirut courthouse Monday, demanding a general amnesty for their relatives over fears the pandemic was spreading in the jail.

Speaking to AFP on Monday, Beirut Bar Association head Melhem Khalaf called the outbreak there a "humanitarian time bomb."

Caretaker health minister Hamad Hassan has said his ministry was working with the ministries of interior and defense to prepare two hospitals in the eastern Bekaa region and one in the capital to treat detainees.

Covid-19 infections have surged in Lebanon in recent weeks, especially after the massive August 4 explosion at Beirut port.

Since February, Lebanon has recorded a total of 26,083 Covid-19 cases, including 259 deaths.

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Hezbollah Faces a Choice: Adapt to Change or Return to Conflict

An image grab shows Hezbollah chief Naim Qasem delivering a televised speech from an undisclosed location. AFP
An image grab shows Hezbollah chief Naim Qasem delivering a televised speech from an undisclosed location. AFP
TT
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Hezbollah Faces a Choice: Adapt to Change or Return to Conflict

An image grab shows Hezbollah chief Naim Qasem delivering a televised speech from an undisclosed location. AFP
An image grab shows Hezbollah chief Naim Qasem delivering a televised speech from an undisclosed location. AFP

In his recent speech, Hezbollah's Deputy Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem sent several messages to both Lebanon and the wider world, suggesting that the post-war era will be different from the past.

While he declared victory over Israel, he also signaled a shift towards political engagement under the Taif Agreement, highlighting the changes facing both Hezbollah and the broader “Resistance Axis.”

However, the victory Qassem spoke of does not reflect Lebanon's reality after the war.

Former minister Rashid Derbas argued that Hezbollah may claim victory, but in truth, Lebanon—both as a state and a people—has been defeated. He noted that Qassem's remarks are mainly aimed at rallying supporters, while the Lebanese people continue to suffer.

In a statement to Asharq Al-Awsat, Derbas said that while Sheikh Naim Qassem has the right to address his supporters this way, he views the overall tone of the speech as positive.

Derbas highlighted Qassem’s decision to return to political work under the Taif Agreement, his call for a swift presidential election, and his push for cooperation with the Lebanese army.

In his speech, Hezbollah’s Secretary-General outlined the party’s future vision, including high-level coordination with the Lebanese army, continued support for Palestine, and ongoing reconstruction efforts with the Lebanese state and international partners.

He emphasized that Hezbollah’s role in Lebanon will remain politically and economically influential, with a focus on completing constitutional institutions, starting with electing a new president.

The results of the war have forced Hezbollah to reassess its approach, pushing for deeper political integration in a more pragmatic manner than before.

Derbas praised Qassem’s agreement to withdraw completely north of the Litani River, signaling a shift away from confrontation with Israel. He noted that Hezbollah has come to realize that only Lebanon and the state can protect it, not Syria, Iraq, or Iran.

Regarding Hezbollah’s “army, people, and resistance” equation, Derbas pointed out the reality of Israel's military strength, which is linked to US weapons, and emphasized the need to rely on the state for protection.

He stressed that the party must return to a more realistic approach.

The tone of Hezbollah’s rhetoric after this war is different from its stance after the 2006 July War, which was more aggressive toward political forces.

Political analyst Qassem Qasir noted that the party is now acting with greater rationality, coordinating with the Lebanese state and army to implement UN Resolution 1701.

He called on all political groups to adopt a positive and non-provocative discourse that reflects Hezbollah’s openness toward all Lebanese factions.