Khiam, Lebanon: The Khiam prison was used to detain, torture, and kill political prisoners, beginning in the 1980s and continuing through to 2000, when the Israeli backed South Lebanese Army fled the country, and signaled the end of Israel’s occupation of the region. During the recent conflict between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah forces, the prison museum was a target of Israeli air strikes, and according to most reports was effectively destroyed. While Israeli government officials deny any direct involvement or knowledge of the human rights violations which took place in the prison, the veracity of this claim remains controversial today. Prior to its destruction, the prison had been transformed into a museum chronicling the atrocities which took place within its walls. Plaques and labels described different rooms, cells and torture devices. The museum was also staffed by former prisoners.
