Roumieh Prison Strike Enters Ninth Day as Inmates Escalate Protest
The hunger and medication strike by inmates at Roumieh Central Prison has entered a new phase of escalation, with prisoners still refusing food and medication for a ninth consecutive day.
The standoff inside the prison coincided with a major street protest in Lebanon, as hundreds gathered in Tripoli’s Al-Nour Square, also known as Abdel Hamid Karami Square, on Sunday.
The demonstration was organized by the Committee of Prisoners’ Families, drawing relatives from across northern Lebanon to protest the suspension of the general amnesty law.
During speeches delivered by political, religious, civil society and human rights figures, protesters condemned the challenge filed against the law before the Constitutional Council and held those behind the legal challenge responsible for what they described as delays and worsening humanitarian conditions in Lebanon’s prisons.
From the heart of Al-Nour Square, demonstrators stressed that the amnesty issue could not be allowed to drag on any longer. They warned that public anger could escalate before slow-moving political or judicial processes produce a solution, while calling on the authorities to assume their responsibilities and reach a swift decision on the matter.
Meanwhile, the health of inmates taking part in the hunger strike inside Building B at Roumieh Prison continues to deteriorate. Some prisoners have resorted to further protest measures, including sewing their mouths shut and refusing medical treatment.
Human rights sources monitoring the situation have warned of potentially serious consequences if the inmates continue their hunger strike, particularly amid limited medical care and overcrowding inside the prison.
Observers say the convergence of street protests and the escalating action inside Roumieh Prison is increasing pressure on the authorities to rule swiftly on the legal challenge and move forward with implementation of the general amnesty law.
