The Independence Movement condemned Tuesday violations committed by the Internal Security Forces’ Investigation Branch in north Lebanon, saying the apparatus is abusing power.

“The assault committed by ISF member Youssef Raidi against citizen Bashir Naoum is a serious violation of laws and a clear indication that security forces are acting like militias used to act under Syrian occupation,” a statement released by the Independence Movement said.

These unlawful practices, the statement added, threaten to undermine social security and citizens’ right to equality before the law.

The Independence Movement said high-ranking security officers are abusing power by ordering raids on the homes of only selected people being prosecuted for issuing bounced checks.

The movement said the only people being targeted are those being prosecuted by the clients of lawyers related to senior security officers while other culprits are left unpunished.

The movement argued that failing to take judicial action against ISF members for abusing power will encourage security forces to continue to violate the law.