Lebanese circles have been preoccupied in recent days with the news of the kidnapping of Pascal Suleiman, the coordinator of the Lebanese Forces Party in the judiciary, while he was passing through the town of Haql near the city of Jbeil, returning from offering condolences.
The Lebanese army issued a statement on Monday announcing the arrest of Syrians involved in the kidnapping operation, adding that its forces are working to locate the kidnapped official and the motives behind the operation. This comes amid significant warnings about the consequences of what happened and its severe impact on the overall political and social scene, according to comments circulating in Lebanese circles.
Initial investigations indicated that four individuals in a white Subaru forcibly kidnapped Suleiman at the intersection connecting the town of Lihfed to the Meifouq and Haql road while he was talking to a friend. The friend heard Suleiman pleading with his kidnappers not to kill him over the phone.
A few days before this incident, “Information International” published a report showing a decline in security indicators in the first two months of this year compared to the same period last year. The figures increased as follows:
- Number of killings by 91.3%
- Kidnapping incidents for ransom by 150%
- Suicide cases by 14.3%
- While decreases were observed in:
- Car theft by 12.8%
- General theft by 13%
In another context, a shocking number was reached concerning crime rates, particularly related to murder and kidnapping for ransom in Lebanon, which reached 100% according to “Information International.” In this regard, researcher Mohamed Shamseddine from “Information International” stated in an interview with “Lebanon Debate” that “during January 2024, there were 4 cases of kidnapping for ransom, compared to 2 in January 2023, an increase of 100%.” Shamseddine linked the increase to the “security chaos witnessed in the country recently.”
Shamseddine also revealed that “the number of murders in Lebanon reached 22 cases in January 2024, compared to 11 in January 2023, an increase of 100%, which is very high and alarming.” He believed that “the military situations in the south, the state’s collapse on all levels, the deterioration in security agencies, and their inadequate salaries and lack of patrols, all contributed to the rise in murder rates in Lebanon in the first month of 2024, noting that these numbers include only the reported crimes to the security forces.” Shamseddine pointed out a new phenomenon where “detainees do not have a criminal record, but due to the crisis, they have turned to theft and murder gangs to earn money.”
It should be noted that Jawad Adra is the founder of “Information International” in partnership with Zeina Akar Adra, an independent research, studies, and scientific statistics company established in Beirut in 1995. “Information International” publishes research, survey, economic, financial, social, and cultural topics of interest to both citizens and officials, in addition to periodic public opinion surveys on various issues.
In addition to leading and managing “Information International,” Jawad Adra founded the “Nabu” Museum located in northern Lebanon. Nabu offers space for showcasing artworks and operates as an institution to maintain communities’ connection to their culture through educational programs, training, organized tours, public lectures, and guided exhibitions it provides.
Summary:
Lebanese circles have been preoccupied in recent days with the news of the kidnapping of Pascal Suleiman, the coordinator of the Lebanese Forces Party in the judiciary. According to “Information International,” kidnapping incidents increased by 150% this year!
