On Lebanon’s ‘Blue Building’: A Prison For The Mentally Ill, Sentenced Until “Cured”

Did you know that mentally ill prisoners in Lebanon are kept in the “Blue Building” in Roumieh Prisons until they are ‘cured’? Their outdated and archaic sentences have cost them so many years, but one person is trying to change all of that through drama therapy, raising awareness, and most importantly: a new law proposed. Enter the amazing Zeina Daccache who has become well-known for her social activism.

Another episode of our podcast Beirut Buzz, and this time, we are joined by Lebanese actress, comedian, director, and activist whose work has paved the way for her to become a drama therapist and the founder of the NGO Catharsis — the first Lebanese center for Drama Therapy.

Our hosts Lama and Lynn discuss Daccache’s new documentary “The Blue Inmates”. Telling the story of inmates who struggle with mental illness and are sentenced until they are “cured,” Daccache is actively working towards changing laws and lives.



You can watch her documentary on the link below, and be sure to follow her on social media to stay up to date on all her latest projects.

To watch ‘The Blue Inmates’ – click here for Antoine Ticketing

Follow Zeina Daccache on Instagram

Check out the NGO Catharsis

And be sure to catch up on her previous works, available for free.

Johar Up In The Air on Vimeo

Shebaik Lebaik on Vimeo

12 Angry Lebanese Men on YouTube

Scheherazade’s Diary on Apple TV