We did not push Assad’s secret services out to let al-Sharaa’s in… Syrian forces kidnap “Butcher of Baniyas” in Mansourieh, take him to Syria

An arrest we cannot fully celebrate

Ali Kayali, known as the “Butcher of Baniyas,” was arrested. He is accused of taking part in massacres of Syrian civilians in 2013.

We welcome his arrest. But reports say he was kidnapped from his home in Mansourieh and taken to Syria.

Syrian intelligence back in Lebanon?

Reports say armed men entered Kayali’s home, tied up family members and took him to Syria.

This raises concerns about Syrian intelligence operating in Lebanon without state approval.

Where are Lebanon’s security agencies?

Kayali should have been arrested through Lebanon’s security agencies and courts, then handed over legally.

Security operations without state approval violate Lebanon’s authority, whatever the charges.

We have not forgotten Assad’s intelligence

We rejected Assad’s intelligence and its kidnappings and torture. We reject the same practices under Ahmad al-Sharaa.

Syrian troops left in 2005, but Lebanese people still carry the scars of occupation.

Lebanon’s authority must be respected by everyone

We reject Israeli attacks and occupation, Hezbollah’s weapons outside state control, and any Syrian security operations in Lebanon.

Those accused of massacres must face justice. Lebanon’s authority and laws must also be respected.