Families of missing demand to know fate of loved ones

Source: Daily Star, 14-4-2006
SOUTH LEBANON: Families of Lebanese who went missing or were kidnapped during the Civil War gathered Thursday in front of Sidon`s Justice Palace on the 31st anniversary of the start of the conflict to demand the truth about their loved ones.
Inside the palace, the trial of the suspected kidnappers of Mouhieddine Hashisho, who was abducted in 1982 following the assassination of President Bashir Gemayel, had started. Hashisho`s wife sued the kidnappers, who she said were Lebanese Forces partisans.
"The kidnappers are known and I do not know why they kidnapped my husband," she said.
"I urge the court to reveal the truth," she added.
The families of the missing held photos of their children and relatives, whom they have not seen for decades
Tens of photos were hung on the Palace`s gates. The only colored photo was of a Lebanese Christian, George Ibrahim Antoun, who was kidnapped in North Lebanon in 1990.
Antoun`s sister said: "Lebanese Forces elements kidnapped my brother and interrogated him. When asked about George, they denied any involvement in his kidnapping but promised us to resolve the issue. We are still waiting."
Ahmad Zaatari, brother of Ziad Zaatari who has been missing since 1982 told The Daily Star that his brother was kidnapped from his veterinary medicine clinic by some men who claimed that their cows were sick. "I did not see him again since then," he said.
The protesters poured their anger on the Lebanese Forces, who they claim were responsible for the abduction of their children. "Samir Geagea has now become a Saint?" one of them asked.
"We are not sectarian, nor politicians; we want our children whether alive or dead," the demonstrators said.
"We do not accept the closing of their file," they added.
Khadija Wehbe, who lost her son in 1976, said: "Samir Geagea handed our children to "Israel"; I have the photo showing their transportation to "Israel". Today, Geagea has become a hero."
The protesters, both Lebanese and Palestinian, spent hours in front of the Justice Palace as security bodies monitored their moves from afar.
The head of the Missing and Kidnapped Lebanese Committee, Waddad Halwani, said that the demonstration aimed to "make officials hear the calls and cries and unveil the truth." She added that Hashisho`s cause represents "the cause of every kidnapped in this country."
The bundle of photos moved from Sidon to Tyre, accompanied by the mothers` tears and wails.
Contacted by The Daily Star, the LF refused to comment on the accusations.