International Day in Support of Victims of Torture: The Tragic Case of Amer Fakhoury and the Need for Action

On this International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, we remember and honor all those who have suffered the cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment of torture. Today, we shed light on the tragic case of Amer Fakhoury, an American citizen who was tortured and illegally detained in Lebanon, a country that receives aid from the United States.

Amer Fakhoury, a father, husband, and restaurant owner from New Hampshire, was visiting Lebanon on a family vacation in September 2019 when he was arrested and accused of collaborating with Israel during the country's civil war. Despite a lack of evidence, he was held in detention and subjected to torture for months while his health deteriorated. His case sheds light on the harsh reality of torture and the need for international attention and action.

The United States, as a key supporter of Lebanon, must not turn a blind eye to the torture and mistreatment happening within its borders. It is our moral and ethical responsibility to use our influence to ensure that the Lebanese government upholds international human rights norms, including the prohibition of torture, as outlined in the United Nations Convention Against Torture.

As we commemorate this International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, let us call on our government and the international community to stand against torture in all its forms. We must demand accountability for the perpetrators of these heinous acts and seek justice for the victims like Amer Fakhoury who have suffered at the hands of their captors.

We can no longer remain silent. Let us raise our voices in solidarity with the victims of torture and work together to put an end to this inhumane practice once and for all.