American Syriac Union expresses support for USUP leader Mrad, says politicization and weaponization of the judiciary have no place in a free and democratic society

WASHINGTON DC / BEIRUT – The American Syriac Union (ASU) issued a press statement in which it calls for an immediate end to the harassment and intimidation of Universal Syriac Union Party (USUP) president Ibrahim Mrad and for all relevant parties in Lebanon to respect the democratic process.

The ASU states that Ibrahim Mrad, who for over two decades has been an active public servant in the Syriac community and in Lebanese society at large, and who consistently has been calling for full civil and religious rights in Lebanon, is currently facing government prosecution and extra-judicial persecution and intimidation by foreign actors, as a result of his stand for justice.

USUP President Ibrahim Mrad openly identified Iran-proxy Hezbollah as a serious threat to Lebanese society, and Christians in particular, in an TV interview earlier this month. Since his interview, he has been receiving death threats from Hezbollah, whose media section has also circulated accusations that Mrad issued a call to violence, something he categorically denies. His legal team dismisses the accusations by Hezbollah as fabricated misinformation.

“For any hope of a strong and independent Lebanon, it is essential that Lebanese society and government institutions be free from foreign interference, for the preservation of civil liberties and the democratic process,” the American Syriac Union warns. It adds that;

“As Lebanon’s economy continues to spiral, exacerbating the political and social turmoil, Hezbollah and its Iranian sponsor must respect the sovereignty, independence and free will of the Lebanese people. The politicization and weaponization of the judiciary, the silencing of opponents, and threats against political figures, have no place in a free and democratic society.”

The American Syriac Union and the Universal Syriac Union Party in Lebanon are affiliates of the Bethnahrin National Council.