Lebanon sentences activists in absentia for inciting Israeli attacks

Lebanon's judiciary has handed down a severe sentence of 15 years in prison to two anti-Hezbollah activists in absentia. The military tribunal convicted Ahmad Yassine and Joumana Gebara of collaborating with Israel and inciting attacks against the Iran-backed group.

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collaborating with Israel and inciting it to continue its military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon

The judicial official, speaking anonymously, stated that the activists, who reside outside Lebanon, were charged with "collaborating with Israel and inciting it to continue its military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon." The trial commenced in November 2024.

Ahmad Yassine, a Paris-based university professor, faces accusations of informing the Israeli army about alleged Hezbollah weapons depots within the historic Baalbek Citadel. He also maintains a YouTube channel with over 140,000 subscribers, where he posts political commentary.

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inciting the Israeli army to bomb the historic Baalbek Citadel by disseminating information claiming that the citadel housed Hezbollah weapons depots

Joumana Gebara is accused of praising Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee and expressing gratitude for bombings in Lebanon. She is also alleged to have called for normalization with Israel during the 2024 conflict between the two sides. Lebanon and Israel are officially at war, and any contact between their citizens is punishable by imprisonment. This ruling represents the most stringent penalty to date against individuals expressing support for Israel.

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praising Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee and thanking him for the bombings of Lebanon, as well as calling for normalization with Israel