Blog 5: Kidnappings in Lebanon

Recently in Lebanon many kidnappings have been occurring.  The most recent is the kidnapping of Michel Al-Saqr, who is the son of Lebanese businessman Ibrahim Al-Saqr. Michel was kidnapped as he was being driven to school on March 7. Just 24 hours after his kidnapping he was returned to his family.  The reason Michel was released to his family was because of his father making his kidnapping a public matter. Police began to raid the town of Braital in order to find Michel.  The likely perpetrator is wanted criminal Maher Tlais. Tlais was not in his home when it was raided and then publically pleaded that he had no involvement with this kidnapping.  This case is not the only one that Lebanon has seen.  More and more kidnappings, like this one, are happing in Lebanon.  The suspects claim to not know their kidnappers identity, but it is suspected that Tlais is behind these kidnappings.  Until Tlais is found guilty these kidnappings will become more frequent.

         This is an example of how kidnapping is a global issue that does not only concern the US, but other countries.  Kidnapping for ransom is a common use for kidnapping.  Usually taking a person for ransom is to get the attention of others, such as political figures.  Ransom is a tactic that criminals use to be heard.  Lebanon is just one of many examples of how kidnapping is prevalent due to bigger reasons.  This criminal is trying to capture government officials’ attention and get his way by enforcing violence.