Army: to continue raids, halt harassment by migrant workers

The Army said Thursday it would continue raids on houses of foreign workers who harassed residents in different parts of the country, days after activists accused the military of misconduct toward the laborers. “The Army's leadership affirms that it will continue to raid and investigate the suspected locations of foreign workers who are harassing citizens,” the statement said. The statement added that the Army was still receiving complaints from residents about cases of harassment by foreign workers and that members of the public wanted an end to the abuse. Earlier this week, Human Rights Watch said at least 72 men were subjected to abuse at the hands of the Army during raids in the Beirut neighborhood of Geitawi. The Army responded to the allegations Wednesday, saying it arrested 11 men and that soldiers were met with violence when attempting to check the men's working permits. In its statement Thursday, the Army asked citizens to report any cases of harassments to either police or the military in order for authorities to intervene immediately. Meanwhile, Telecommunications Minister Nicolas Sehnaoui criticized "the campaign” against the Army, saying that the military's actions came in response to residents' complaints about foreign workers’ misconduct. "Insulting the Army at this critical political stage and amid the dangers facing Lebanon cannot be separated from attempts by some parties to punish the military institution that is the protector and guarantor,” Sehnaoui said in a statement. Residents and mukhtars of Ashrafieh held meetings Wednesday after which they released statements in support of the Army. “The mukhtars of Rmeil, Saifi, Medawar and Ashrafieh call on the Army to continue their operations and not be subject to media pressure because the situation in Ashrafieh has become unbearable,” the statement said, accusing foreign workers of being involved in harassment, theft, rape and murder, without identifying specific incidents. From DailyStar