Interview: Selim Ramlawi Free National Current Student Representative
Mr. Selim Ramlawi is a Lebanese student activist who helped organize university demonstrations against the Syrian occupation in April. MEIB interviewed Mr. Ramlawi by telephone on June 22, 2000.
Lebanese student protestors hit by teargas in April
You were one of the students who were detained during the April protest demonstrations. What started this action?
Students at the University of Kaslik organized a conference on the upcoming parliamentary elections and many speakers criticized the preparations and the entire electoral process as yet another example of Syria orchestrating political changes in Lebanon. That same night, the security services of the Beirut regime forced their way into the homes of two of the conference organizers, Marc Chouceir and Naim Semaani, and dragged them to a government-run detention center where they were forced to spend two nights. These Syrian-style arrests without any legal justification actually prove the point of those organizing the conference: that no free and fair elections can take place in Lebanon under the Syrian occupation. That was what started our action and not, as the authorities alleged, a timing chosen by Israel or our leader, Michel Aoun. We protested because they [the Lebanese authorities] were the ones who imposed their timing by brutally oppressing freedom of expression and assembly.
Who exactly does the Free National Current (FNC) represent in Lebanon?
The FNC is made up of individuals from all confessions. The important point to emphasize is that confessional affiliation has nothing to do with the patriotic unity that defines our movement. Everyone in the Current puts the love of a free and sovereign Lebanon first. For example, I myself am a Shi'ite Muslim and, like many others in my own community, I wish to see Lebanon liberated from all occupying forces, in particular the Syrians now that Israel has withdrawn. The Current also stands for the restoration of freedoms, the rule of law, a truly democratic political life, and respect for Lebanon's dignity.
Were you arrested during the demonstrations?
Not during the demonstrations, but later when some of my colleagues and I in the Current were keeping a vigil in support of those who had been illegally detained by the authorities. I was in charge of leading an all-night vigil that was held in the town of Btegrine, in the North Metn district of Mount Lebanon, which happens to be the hometown of Syrian-appointed Interior Minister Michel al-Murr. Suddenly, two armed men appeared who were neither policemen nor members of any known security force. They apprehended us and, following an interrogation charade, handed us over to the local police who kept us locked up for the night. Later, we were transferred to a jail in the town of Baabda, the seat of the presidential palace and a place where there exists a heavy police presence. No independent lawyers were allowed to see us and our period of incarceration could have stretched on indefinitely were it not for the intervention of the Beirut Bar Association, the press, as well as our supporters.
Do you think the Syrians had anything to do with the above mentioned arrests?
In a place like Lebanon, which today is completely controlled at the highest official levels by Damascus, it is safe to say that the authorities act against their own citizens in accordance with Syrian wishes. Yes, of course the Syrians had something to do with the arrests I described. Nothing in Lebanon on the security level happens without the Syrian green light.
Why would the Syrians regard you and and other students as a threat?
Because our movement has begun again to generate more and more popular support and elicit growing sympathy from people throughout Lebanon. It is a fact that the silent majority in Lebanon, which includes people from all political and religious affiliations, disapproves of Syria's conduct and wants Damascus to loosen its grip over the country.
What about the accusations leveled against the students that they are pro-Israeli?
Conflicting statements were made by the authorities regarding the protesting students. At first they accused us of working directly for Israel, but then began issuing statements that labeled us the unwitting pawns of Israel who, while striving to promote Lebanon's interests through our protests, were in fact stupidly exposing ourselves to Israeli manipulation. I think the exercise of free expression by university students can only help to promote freedoms in Lebanon and restore the country's lost independence.
Are you going to continue with your protests?
Opposition to the status quo will never cease until Lebanon is once again free. Personally, I will be graduating a year from now with a degree in dentistry. My original intention has been to continue my specialization abroad; however, the recent crackdowns in Lebanon have convinced me that the situation is getting worse and that far from leaving my country to pursue my career I ought to remain and join the continuing struggle for liberation.
Any last words you would like to make?
I believe in excellent neighborly relations between Lebanon and Syria, but I also believe that these relations must be based upon mutual respect and the recognition by each of the other's independence and sovereignty. Related Articles
"Lebanon's Intifada," Middle East Intelligence Bulletin (Vol.2, No.4), April/May 2000.
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