Respected Sydney doctor to fight secret Lebanon court ruling

Dr Jamal Rifi, a leader in Sydney’s Lebanese community, was convicted of treason and sentenced to 10 years hard labour without his knowledge.

Dr Jamal Rifi is a respected leader in Sydney's Lebanese communities. Source: Dr Jamal Rifi.

Respected Sydney doctor Jamal Rifi says he will appeal to the United Nations after a military court in Lebanon secretly convicted him of treason.

Dr Rifi is a leader in Sydney’s Lebanese community, and has been described by Prime Minister Scott Morrison as a “great Australian”.

Earlier this week, Dr Rifi was alerted to leaks in Lebanese media that stated he had been sentenced to 10 years hard labour in Lebanon.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has described Dr Rifi (right) as a 'great Australian'. Source: AAP

He said the secret court action was linked to his work for a charity called Project Rozana.

Project Rozana helps injured Palestinians receive medical care in Israeli hospitals. It also aims to improve healthcare in the West Bank and Gaza by training Palestinian doctors in Israel.

The Hezbollah-owned media outlet, Al-Manar, said Dr Rifi had been convicted because he collaborated with the “Israeli enemy”.

“This military court, I find out that their decision cannot be appealed,” Dr Rifi said.

“If I go back to Lebanon, they will put me in prison for 10 years hard labour. 

“I’m proud of helping the Palestinian people.”

Foreign Minister Marise Payne is among those to speak up for Dr Rifi. Source: AAP

Dr Rifi believes the military court was strongly influenced by Hezbollah, which is a sworn enemy of Israel. 

He also thinks the conviction will be used to pressure his Lebanon-based brother, an outspoken Hezbollah critic and former leader of Lebanon’s internal security forces.  

Dr Rifi said he was considering raising his case with the United Nations Commission on Human Rights.

“I haven’t been given any notification, I was denied natural justice, and I was denied procedural fairness,” he said.

Foreign Minister Marise Payne is among those lining up to defend Dr Rifi.

"Dr Jamal Rifi is a valued member of Sydney's Lebanese community who has supported vaccination efforts, built interfaith harmony, and delivered healthcare to vulnerable groups," she said on social media.

"We are seeking urgent clarification of reports he has been convicted by a Lebanese military tribunal."

Read more in Arabic on SBS Arabic 24.