As Lebanese citizens wake up every day searching for an ounce of hope, these past few days have only offered shock, tears, and heavy hearts. During the first four days of February, Lebanon has been witness to four violent and brutal crimes, leaving many in agony.
The patriarchal system has reaped three victims of domestic abuse, further revealing that the state has failed to protect women despite the passing of certain laws. Zeina Kanjo, a Lebanese model from Akkar was found dead in her home in Ain El Mraisseh. Zeina was allegedly strangled at the hands of her husband who then fled to Turkey days after the crime. Zeina had filed for divorce from her husband, also citing domestic violence, just days prior to her murder.
A day later, the NNA reported that the body of Wadad Hassoun was found at the seashore behind the UNRWA center in Nahr-El Bared camp. It was later revealed that the Hassoun was also a victim of domestic abuse; she had left her home on Monday morning and never returned. She was strangled to death.
Just yesterday, local media also reported that the body of a woman was found in a garden. She had been sexually assaulted and murdered. No details have been released about her identity as of yet. Despite the adoption of Law 293 on domestic violence (passed in 2014 and amended in December 2020), many women continue to suffer from domestic abuse.
This morning, February 4, 2021 we mourn the loss of Lokman Slim, a political activist and publisher who was found dead in his car after being shot in the head.
Publisher and activist Lokman Sleem was found shot in his car in south Lebanon this morning. Our hearts go out to his loved ones. May he Rest In Peace. #
The writer and activist was shot five times in the head and in the back. His mission always revolved around social causes and history, and he created several foundations that focused on the Lebanese war, tunneling his vision on looking into the past, in order to advance into the future.
It is also important to mention that biggest mass murder of all took place 6 months ago today, as the Beirut Blast killed more than 200 people. With no reports or investigations in sight, the victim’s families are still demanding for their justice.
Families and loved ones of the August 4 explosion are currently protesting, pleading for answers. It has been 6 months since the death of more than 200 people. Shame on this state.
