As legal chaos and encroachments on public land continue to rise across Lebanon, the country’s natural Thoum shore, long used by fishermen and sailing enthusiasts, has become the scene of a heated dispute between the Lebanese Yacht Club and François Barakat, a property owner who, along with his partner Salim El Zeer, purchased a coastal parcel in 2021.

According to the club, Barakat and his partner are attempting to claim occupancy of adjacent maritime public property, citing alleged use prior to 1994. The move, they argue, is an unlawful bid to legitimize control over public land.

The Lebanese Yacht Club denounced what it described as politically supported "harassment," which it says began in 2022, calling it part of a broader, systematic effort to seize public property.

“Maritime public property is not private wealth to be distributed at will or based on personal interest,” the club stated. “It belongs to all Lebanese. Any attempt to legitimize violations under the pretext of ‘resolving old violations,’ without valid legal documentation, constitutes a blatant offense that must be held accountable.”

In a recent development, the club said it was shocked to discover what it described as “a fabricated redefinition of property lines,” which includes the Thoum freshwater spring within Barakat’s private lot; an effort, they allege, to convert public natural resources into private ownership.

Acting Director General of Land and Maritime Transport, Ahmad Tamer, sent a formal notice to the president of the Yacht Club, Rabih Salem, following a request submitted by engineer François Barakat. The letter demanded the removal of all non-permanent structures and boats from the maritime public domain adjacent to plots 204 and 205 in the Thoum cadastral area.

Speaking to Kataeb.org, Salem accused Barakat of “falsifying facts” after purchasing the land in 2021. He said Barakat took advantage of a 2017 law that allows individuals occupying maritime public land prior to 1994 to apply for legalization.

“Barakat and his partners bought the land and then claimed they had been using it since 1994, but the truth is, neither him nor the previous owner were even present at that time,” Salem said. "Their application was referred to the Lebanese Army, which confirmed the presence of man-made landfilling without identifying the perpetrator.”

Salem added that a court-appointed expert had ruled the plot unfit for investment, noting that the actual property boundaries do not include the adjacent natural shore.

"The club holds a formal operating license issued in 2016," he added.

Salem said the harassment began in 2022 but that Barakat initially assured club members he supported their presence.

“He told us he was fine with the club staying and that he would only use his parcel,” Salem explained. “But this year, we were shocked to see him lease out a beach bar and set up a large tent without any permit."

According to Salem, a complaint was filed, forcing Barakat to dismantle the unlicensed structure and relocate it elsewhere, again without authorization.

Salem said he had already warned back in 2002 that the plot was unsuitable for use due to the narrow rocky strip sitting in front of it.

Salem also took issue with the Lebanese Army’s Geographic Affairs Directorate, which acknowledged excess land in front of the properties but could not determine whether it was natural or man-made.

“That area was formed by a shift in the terrain and the accumulation of natural gravel, not by artificial filling,” he said. “We’re calling for a full reassessment of the Army’s report, because these violations are being justified with myths designed to turn public space into private investment.”

“We use that area to store boats. You can’t store them on fill, but rather only on concrete, sand, or gravel. This confirms the area is a gravel beach. We even have a wooden platform authorized by the Ministry of Public Works, with official approval, defining the area as a gravel shoreline, recognized by both the ministry and security forces.”

Salem also accused Barakat of acquiring the Thoum spring as a “gift” from the Ministry of Transport, allegedly thanks to his personal relationship with Acting Director General Ahmad Tamer.

He further criticized the way Barakat obtained the removal order for the Yacht Club’s structures, saying Barakat had obtained it and published it on social media before the club officially received it.

According to Salem, Barakat enjoys wide political influence due to his ties with MP Gebran Bassil.

“He’s exploiting public resources for personal and political gain,” Salem said. “He’s using his connections to encroach on public property.”

In response, Salem said club members and athletes organized a protest during the Lebanese national sailing championship, which the club was hosting.

“We raised our objections and are working to present our recommendations to the relevant authorities,” he said.

He also revealed that the public prosecutor had given the club just two days to vacate the area.

“That’s completely unreasonable,” he said. “We should be granted at least a month. Where am I supposed to take the boats? One thing’s certain: I will not remove them.”

In closing, Salem issued a direct appeal to President Joseph Aoun: “Our work highlights Lebanon’s natural beauty and supports maritime tourism. We hope your term will mirror that of Camille Chamoun; a time when maritime tourism and sailing clubs were protected and celebrated as part of Lebanon’s unique charm.”