The family of Mahassen Issa, who is facing adultery charges in Lebanon after leaving her husband for another man, have spoken out, saying that they do not support Issa’s actions and she deserves whatever penalties Lebanon imposes.
“I would wish she goes to jail for life for [her actions],” Ms Issa’s brother, Ahmed, told Ray Hadley on Sydney’s 2GB Radio.
“Personally I don’t really care what she does, because what she has done, she has wronged the system, she’s defamed her family, and we disown, I officially disown her.”
The 29-year-old primary school tutor was on a trip to Lebanon to spend time with her new lover Mohammad Awick, where her family alleges that she was secretly married. Issa was stopped from returning to Australia after the trip by Lebanese authorities.
Her two young sons are still at her home with her first husband, a furniture designer, in Sydney’s west.
Mr Issa told Hadley that he believed his sister did not truly love Mr Awick.
“What she done is all wrong,” he said.
“She’s thrown those children away… She gave them away and she went Lebanon to pursue her love.
“What love? She’s known the guy for three days.”
It is currently unclear as to whether Ms Issa is just facing adultery charges, as she told Fairfax Media, or adultery and bigamy charges, as her husband’s family told the Daily Mail.
If convicted, she would face up to six months in prison.
Issa has appealed to the Australian government to intervene in the situation. She told the Daily Telegraph: “The holiday that I thought would just be some time out has turned into a nightmare.”
“I have never seen these jails and hope to never see them, because we have done nothing wrong.
“Hopefully the Australian government can help me get back into Australia safely.”
Issa’s court hearing in Tripoli is scheduled to occur later today. It is unclear as to whether Issa will attend, as she is currently in hiding.
Top Comments
What I find most interesting about this article and others on a similar theme is that it always seems to be the women bearing the brunt of these archaic laws. I could post links to numerous articles but I don't have time right now. In any case, the difference here is that these laws allow things like this to happen, still. And Yasmine, good for you that you are a happily married submissive wife, is that your choice? What if you were to choose something else....what then?
Cannot believe the comments, so all can understand this girl left her current husband which was not arranged furthermore married for 10 years and married her new boyfriend without completing a divorce! Her family was against this and warned her abiut the trouble she will be in! This has nothing to do with religion it's a family matter, the question you need to ask yourself do you know the facts! No you don't because the facts have not be shown! She is married in Australia, lied to her family lied to the media and now your blaming her family typical stereo type! As for her brothers comments my god I've said worse, this family is a beautiful family and people are labelling them as bad! Imagine you living with a lady who lies daily, and keeps hurting her family. For one second ask yourself this question can you imagine what her family is going thru? The girl knew the consequences