“Mirror, mirror on the wall, am I only a terrorist after all?” The impact of social categorization of children associated with terrorist groups on their legal treatment in the Lebanese judicial process
“Mirror, mirror on the wall, am I only a terrorist after all?” The impact of social categorization of children associated with terrorist groups on their legal treatment in the Lebanese judicial process
Date
2019
Authors
Bockstael, Cassandra
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Abstract
With the rise of terrorist organisation such as Daesh, the number of children involved in terrorist
activities has increased. This phenomenon was particularly prominent in Lebanon following
the outbreak of the Syrian conflict. Between 2012 and 2018, 139 children have been imprisoned
for terrorism. A primary investigation on the subject demonstrated flagrant differences of
treatment at different stages of the judicial procedure. The present research attempts to explain
these contrasts since it has repercussion on the respect or violations of the rights of the child.
Using interviews of various relevant actors of the Lebanese judicial system and complementary
academic literature, the research draws on social categorization and intergroup relations
theories as theoretical framework. Observations show that when the child is more categorized
as a victim there is a greater respect for his rights, whereas there are more rights violations when
he is perceived as criminal, delinquent or terrorist. In conclusion, social categorization might
be considered as a factor explaining the differences of treatment along the judicial process.
Description
Second semester University: Ca' Foscari University of Venice; Saint Joseph University, Beirut
Keywords
terrorism,
children,
Lebanon,
children rights,
Syria,
imprisonment,
judicial process