On the eve of the fourth anniversary of the assassination of prominent Lebanese political activist Lokman Slim, a decision issued by the Lebanese judiciary has sparked outrage within his family and supporters. The ruling, handed down by interim investigating judge Bilal Halawi, classified the perpetrators of Slim’s murder as “unknown,” stating that there was insufficient evidence to identify the individuals responsible for the crime.

Slim, a vocal critic of Hezbollah, went missing after leaving a friend’s home on February 4, 2021. His lifeless body was discovered hours later inside his car on the outskirts of the village of Addousiyeh, located in the Sidon district in southern Lebanon. Preliminary forensic reports revealed that he had been shot five times in the head and once in the upper back. Additionally, there were signs of physical trauma to his face and left arm, indicating that he had likely been tortured before being killed.

In the four years since the crime, the Lebanese judiciary's investigation has failed to provide new leads. Halawi’s ruling confirmed that “investigations have not led to the identification of the perpetrators or suspects.” The court had turned to surveillance footage from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) cameras, but their analysis revealed that the cameras, installed at the peacekeeping force's centers, did not capture the surrounding areas. As a result, no relevant surveillance footage was obtained from outside the centers. Halawi also noted that in May 2024, he had met with the German Consul in Lebanon and an officer from the German police, who presented a set of preliminary questions for the investigation. Despite their willingness to assist, the German delegation later informed the court that they were unable to provide the technical support needed.

The decision to classify the perpetrators as unknown and to close the investigation has provoked a strong response from Slim's family and legal team. They accuse the investigating judge of succumbing to pressure from Hezbollah and neglecting critical memos and requests made by the prosecution. They also contend that the judge refused to cooperate with international assistance, including a potential offer from Germany.

The prosecution team argues that Halawi ignored crucial evidence pointing to Hezbollah affiliates' potential involvement in the assassination. Diya Chehadeh, a member of the prosecution team, criticized the judge’s ruling, asserting that it failed to consider the significant findings of the Internal Security Forces, which had provided evidence suggesting Hezbollah's involvement in the murder. Chehadeh also accused Halawi of blocking efforts for international cooperation, particularly with Germany, which had offered to assist in the investigation.

The investigation, initially handled by judicial authorities in southern Lebanon—where Hezbollah holds considerable influence—was moved to Beirut for security reasons. However, despite these changes, no significant progress has been made. Slim had been subjected to numerous threats from Hezbollah supporters prior to his death. Days before the assassination, posters with the phrase "Glory to the silencer" were found on the wall of his home in Haret Hreik, a Hezbollah stronghold in southern Beirut.

Chehadeh further revealed that the prosecution team had filed two legal motions: one to have the case removed from Halaw’s jurisdiction and another requesting his recusal due to concerns over impartiality. However, when the legal team attempted to submit these motions, they were told that Halawi was unavailable, citing a busy schedule. The following day, the judge issued his preliminary ruling, effectively closing the case, which the prosecution team has condemned as both illegal and politically motivated. They argue that the decision was intended to shield those responsible for Slim’s murder, preventing the truth from coming to light.

Slim’s family and supporters have vowed to continue seeking justice for the slain activist, who had long been an outspoken critic of Hezbollah and its political influence in Lebanon. The case remains a symbol of the ongoing challenges to transparency and accountability in Lebanon’s political and judicial systems.