Public Transport: Drivers' Dignity is a Red Line, Assaults Will Not Go Unpunished

The General Establishment for Railways and Public Transport affirmed that "the dignity of its drivers and the prestige of the state are a red line, and attacks will not pass without pursuit and accountability," following the savage and repeated assaults on public transport drivers and their buses.

In a statement, it clarified that first, it operates "within available capabilities and conditions, fulfilling its required role under systems and laws to provide services to Lebanese citizens, especially amidst the major crisis Lebanon is facing. We strive to accommodate the reality on the ground as much as possible, but we find ourselves facing a mentality among some who bully the state and public institutions, violating the most basic rules of public order in full view of women, the elderly, and passengers generally. This negatively impacts the culture of using public transport."

Secondly, it noted that "as a public institution, while we deal flexibly with the reality on the ground, we will not accept such violations and assaults on drivers' dignity and the state's prestige without action, pursuit, and demanding that all relevant parties, including the judiciary and security apparatuses, put an end to this thuggery and violation of sanctities."

Thirdly, the Establishment pointed out that "while we urge all concerned parties to stand alongside the prestige of the state, the law, and the citizen, we thank everyone who moved to deter these cases, from the Minister of Interior to intelligence agencies and the judiciary. We specifically thank the Director General of General Security, Major General Hassan Shqeir, who took swift measures free from any routine hindering the realization of justice and deterring violators. We cannot but highly appreciate the daily attention, support, and follow-up by the Minister of Public Works and Transport, Fayez Rassamni."

The statement confirmed that "as a public institution, we aspire, seek, and desire nothing other than providing legitimate services to the Lebanese citizen within a state that protects everyone. We keep this national and moral mission before our eyes, but we are determined to defend the dignity of drivers, the prestige of the state, and the image of the institution we belong to, regardless of the challenges."