Protest in Sidon Calls for Release of Detained Lebanese Citizens

Supporters of the detained cleric Ahmad al-Assir organized a protest outside the Bahaa Hariri Mosque in Sidon, southern Lebanon, to demand his release and the release of several other Lebanese detainees. They called for a comprehensive resolution to issues surrounding detentions.

Protesters' Demands and Selective Justice

During the protest, al-Assir's wife called for the release of Lebanese detainees, similar to the treatment of Syrian detainees in Lebanese prisons, labeling the situation as selective justice. She emphasized the need for a thorough legal approach that encompasses all detainees without exception.

Timing of the Protest and Judicial Agreement

The protest coincided with the announcement of a judicial agreement signed between Lebanon and Syria at the government building in Beirut. This agreement pertains to the transfer of convicted individuals from the country of sentencing to their country of nationality, bringing the issue of detainees in Lebanese prisons back into focus.

Background of the Case

It is noteworthy that the Beirut Criminal Court convened a public session on January 9 to address the attempted murder of a member of the "Sarayya al-Muqawama" (Resistance Units). This session included the trial of artist Fadl Shaker, Ahmad al-Assir, and four other defendants. During the session, al-Assir admitted to forming an armed group called "Kata'ib al-Muqawama al-Hurra," which consists of approximately 200 members. He justified this action by citing the state's failure to protect him and his followers, as well as attacks and murders attributed to the "Sarayya al-Muqawama," asserting that he had informed official authorities of his decision at the time.

In response, al-Assir denied financing or arming artist Fadl Shaker and claimed he was not present at the incident site, where he alleged that Hilal Hamoud attempted to murder him. He stated that he had contacted security forces to resolve the issue.