November 7th, 2021

Amer Fakhoury Foundation Delegation Meets With U.S. Officials in Washington DC

AFF Delegation Discusses Human Rights Violations in Lebanon and Hezbollah’s Heavy Influence on the Country

WASHINGTON, DC – Amer Fakhoury Foundation (AFF) visited the US Capitol to discuss human rights violations in Lebanon and Hezbollah’s influence on the government.

The delegation included Fakhoury’s daughters, who co-founded the foundation in his name.

In Washington, AFF met with Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC), Assistant Secretary Ambassador Lisa Peterson from the Department of Human Rights and Labor (DRL), and Deputy Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Gillen from the Special Presidential Envoy for hostages (SPEHA).

AFF discussed with Ambassador Peterson the violation of human rights under articles 5, 7, and 19 of the universal declaration of human rights.

Throughout these meetings with US government officials, AFF was asked to provide insights to a number of key topics including how the Iran-Hezbollah occupation of Lebanon continues to be core to many of the challenges crippling the physical, societal, and economic safety of Lebanese citizens. AFF was also asked to share further on the details of the physical and mental torture Amer Fakhoury suffered both while in the custody of the Lebanese General Security (LGS) and later while in a military prison. “The linchpin,” one AFF leader shared, “is Hezbollah’s direct involvement, unchallenged influence, and unchecked brutality in both the LGS and military court.”

AFF shared with Congressman Wilson the importance of holding accountable those responsible for the death of Amer Fakhoury. Congressman Wilson extended his full cooperation as the Fakhoury family gets justice for their father. He invited AFF to meet with additional members of congress and share their father’s story. With AFF’s help, legislators are working to drive reviews under the Leahy and Magnitsky Acts as Congress looks at matters of US budgeting for civilian and military aid to Lebanon, accountability, and potential sanctions against Lebanese officials believed culpable or corrupt.

Finally AFF shared the insight of their lawsuit against Iran and stressed the danger of holding an election under the occupation of Iran and the presence of Hezbollah’s militia. 

“We look forward to being a part of less torture and the building of a better Lebanon without corrupted officials”