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Lebanon: Security and exit procedures at Beirut International Airport; whether persons released from prison on probation and are under investigation and surveillance by Lebanese intelligence are able to leave the country legally, especially through Beirut International Airport

Information on security and exit procedures at Beirut International Airport could not be found among sources consulted by the Research Directorate within time constraints.

The consul at the Embassy of Lebanon in Ottawa stated that the concept of a conditional release from prison does not exist in Lebanon, which follows the system of French law (25 Apr. 2002). The consul explained that prison terms must be completed in full, although some are occasionally reduced for good behaviour; for reduced sentences, there is no probation or parole following release (ibid.). The former prisoner has no travel restrictions, and is not required to report to anyone after having purged his sentence (ibid.).

The consul stated that Lebanese intelligence would put surveillance onlyon individuals suspected of posing a national security risk, or in cases of pending charges against that individual (ibid.). Regarding travel restrictions, an individual would know of pending charges and would have been told by the authorities of his inability to leave the country (ibid.). However, in cases of surveillance for security reasons, the individual's movements would not be restricted in any way without charges being involved (ibid.).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Reference

Embassy of Lebanon, Ottawa. 25 April 2002. Telephone interview with the consul.

Additional Sources Consulted

Two oral sources did not provide information.

Internet sites including:

Amnesty International

Beirut Airport

Government of Lebanon – General Directorate of Internal Security Forces

Human Rights Watch

Topics: Airports,