Latest news with #WissamNasrallah
LBCI
22-05-2025
- LBCI
Child protection concerns: Investigation launched after reported sexual assault during school trip
Report by Wissam Nasrallah, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi What was meant to be a joyful school outing for children turned into a distressing experience. A 16-year-old boy who was working at an amusement park admitted to inappropriate behavior involving at least 15 children, according to his own statement. The incident occurred on Tuesday, May 20, during a field trip organized by Saint Coeur Ain Najm School for first-grade students, all between the ages of 6 and 7. The visit took place at VeréBleu Park and specifically at the zip line section, where children were supposed to enjoy a fun and exciting activity. One of the staff members assigned to help secure children for the ride—a minor himself—allegedly acted inappropriately by touching several of them while assisting them with the equipment. One child, only six years old, found the courage to tell his teacher what had happened. As school staff looked into the situation, more students reported similar experiences involving the same individual. The school administration took swift action, informing authorities who quickly intervened. The suspect was taken into custody and admitted to the actions. The school also began working closely with parents and professionals to offer psychological and educational support to the affected children. Though this is not the first such incident, it has once again raised questions about the need for stronger child protection measures and more rigorous screening and training of staff at places catering to young children.
LBCI
06-05-2025
- LBCI
Hezbollah tip-off helps Turkey foil plot to smuggle explosive pagers into Lebanon—Details emerge
Report by Wissam Nasrallah, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi In late September 2024, Turkish intelligence thwarted an attempt to smuggle 1,300 explosive-laden pager devices and 710 chargers from Istanbul to Lebanon. However, the shipment was not connected to the deadly September 17 attack on Hezbollah members involving similar devices. According to a detailed report published by the Turkish daily Sabah, the shipment originated from Hong Kong and arrived at Istanbul International Airport on September 16, just one day before the explosion in Lebanon. Labeled as "food blenders," the cargo consisted of 61 boxes weighing 850 kilograms and was scheduled for transport to Beirut on Turkish Cargo flight TK830 on the morning of September 27. The operation took a critical turn on September 20 when Turkish intelligence services intervened, suspecting the shipment contained more than just culinary equipment. A forensic investigation revealed the devices were actually Gold Apollo model pagers—identical to those used in the attack on Hezbollah. Lab tests on the seized devices uncovered 3 grams of a highly volatile white explosive material hidden within the solid metal battery casings. Investigators determined the devices could detonate if the batteries reached a specific temperature or received a powerful signal, potentially causing severe injuries or fatalities. While Turkish daily Sabah did not specify how Turkish authorities were alerted, Hezbollah's media relations official confirmed to LBCI that the group had tipped off Turkish intelligence about the rigged pagers.
LBCI
03-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Mount Lebanon municipal and mukhtars elections kick off—A walkthrough of the voting process
Report by Wissam Nasrallah, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi The first round of Lebanon's municipal elections is set to begin within hours, covering towns and villages across the Mount Lebanon governorate. Upon arriving at polling stations, voters must first confirm their names on the electoral list, which determines the specific polling room in which they are to vote. At the polling room, the head officer verifies that the voter has not already cast their ballot by checking for ink on their fingers. Voters must present a valid ID or passport, after which their names are called out loud so list delegates can log their participation. The head officer then signs an official envelope—white for municipal elections and brown for mukhtars municipal seats. In the voting booth, voters write the names of their preferred candidates on a blank sheet, or they may use a pre-prepared list. As the voting system is based on a majoritarian and not proportional law, voters have the right to cross out names or add candidates from other lists, provided they do not exceed the number of seats allocated to the specific municipality. Any additional names beyond the seat limit will be disregarded. Voters must also ensure their ballot contains no identifying marks that could invalidate it. After placing the completed ballot in the envelope, voters return from the voting booth, place their vote into the ballot box, sign next to their name, dip their fingers in indelible ink, and collect their identification documents.
LBCI
20-03-2025
- Business
- LBCI
Lebanon's Cabinet faces test on digital reform: Will this be the turning point?
Report by Wissam Nasrallah, English adaptation by Mariella Succar In its third session since winning a vote of confidence, Lebanon's Cabinet is set to discuss digital transformation in the public sector. According to LBCI, a committee will be formed to oversee coordination between ministries. While discussions on digitalization began years ago, progress has been stalled due to administrative complexities and, more significantly, the absence of serious political will. Several previous sessions addressed this issue, dating back to the government's adoption of the 'Lebanon Digital Transformation Strategy 2020-2030.' However, in practice, the plan remained limited to broad objectives and a written document, leaving citizens burdened with paperwork and long waits at government offices. Despite this, some ministries have taken independent steps to integrate technology into their services. In 2021, the Ministry of Labor launched an online platform for work permit applications for foreign nationals. The Interior Ministry introduced an electronic criminal record service, allowing citizens to request and receive documents through OMT centers across Lebanon. The Ministry of Justice has also advanced its digital services, enabling lawyers and citizens to create online accounts on the official judicial services platform for easier access to information and remote application submissions. Most recently, the Ministry of Economy introduced an online licensing system for market and exhibition organizers in Lebanon. These efforts, however, remain fragmented and have yet to be consolidated into a comprehensive digital transformation policy. Establishing a unified system would require an oversight body composed of experts and technicians and dedicated funding. The goal would be to build on existing digital initiatives across ministries rather than starting from scratch—ultimately leading to a unified digital identity for citizens to complete various administrative procedures. Thursday's Cabinet session presents a real opportunity for the government to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps toward digital transformation—one that serves citizens and helps restore trust in state institutions.
LBCI
18-03-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
The silent watchers: Israel's use of smart cameras for espionage against Hezbollah
Report by Wissam Nasrallah, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi The psychological phenomenon of feeling watched is known as the "illusion of surveillance" or paranoia. What if this sensation is not just a feeling but a reality? And what if, while thinking you are observing others, you are actually the one being watched? This scenario has taken on a new meaning in the realm of technology, as reports emerge suggesting a significant Israeli breach of Hezbollah's security. The extent of the infiltration became glaringly evident during the recent war, which saw precise strikes on Hezbollah's personnel movements, assassinations of its commanders, and the pinpointing of its missile locations. How did this happen to a group known for its strict security measures and operational secrecy? While the full answer lies with Israel, details are gradually coming to light, revealing a complex network of surveillance. Israeli intelligence, it appears, was not relying solely on aerial reconnaissance but had eyes on the ground—between buildings, along roads, inside shops, and possibly even at traffic lights. At the heart of this security breach is Dahua, a Chinese technology giant specializing in advanced surveillance systems. The company is one of Lebanon's leading suppliers of smart monitoring equipment, providing high-tech cameras meant to enhance security. However, these systems may have become an unintentional "Trojan horse." According to Cybernews, Dahua's devices have long been accused of containing serious security vulnerabilities. In 2017, cyber-security researchers discovered a backdoor in several Dahua systems, allowing hackers to remotely control devices, access stored video footage, and even infiltrate users' networks. In 2022, the United States banned importing and selling Dahua cameras over national security concerns. The United Kingdom followed suit a year later, prohibiting using Dahua cameras in sensitive government buildings due to espionage fears. Within months, Australia also removed Dahua cameras from its defense facilities, citing reports that the devices could transmit data to foreign entities. Adding to the concerns, Dahua operates a major center on the outskirts of Tel Aviv and, according to its own website, markets security solutions in Israel. In Lebanon, Hezbollah had already expressed concerns over surveillance cameras, instructing residents in the south to disconnect them from the internet at the start of the latest escalation. However, the intelligence gathered by Israeli forces over the years appears to be vast. This time, the breach did not come from drones alone. It may have also come through the thousands of lenses scattered across Lebanon. Exploiting vulnerabilities in Dahua systems and similar surveillance networks, Tel Aviv may have transformed these cameras—originally intended to safeguard Hezbollah's strongholds—into a powerful espionage tool.
