Bassil says FPM to confront 'conspiracy' of 'violent expulsion' of Syrians

Free Patriotic Movement chief Jebran Bassil on Wednesday warned against any “violent expulsion” of Syrian refugees from Lebanon, amid an uproar over the army’s recent expulsion of dozens of Syrians from the country.

“The chaotic influx of displaced Syrians was a conspiracy that we confronted alone and expelling them through violence is a conspiracy that we will also confront,” Bassil said in a tweet.

“We are with a safe and dignified repatriation and with the implementation of the international and Lebanese laws regarding the return of every illegal refugee and the prevention of any naturalization,” the FPM chief added.

“There is a regional chance for a decent repatriation and we will not allow conspirators and those who woke up now to waste it through incitement and inhumanity,” Bassil went on to say.

Amnesty International on Monday called on Lebanon to "immediately stop forcibly deporting refugees back to Syria."

The Syrian refugees "are at risk of torture or persecution at the hands of the Syrian government upon return," Amnesty said, describing the situation as "alarming."

The London-based rights group said the Syrians were expelled following raids on their homes in various parts of the country, adding that those who had "entered the country irregularly or held expired residency cards" were deported.

It cited the brother of one refugee as saying that the Lebanese Army drove them "directly to the border and handed them over to the Syrian army."

Lebanese authorities have long pushed for Syrian refugees to return, and have made several repatriation efforts they describe as voluntary, but which rights groups say are forced.

Several Arab countries have recently moved to reestablish ties with Syria following years of political isolation after the war began.