Supporters of Ahmad al-Assir Protest in Sidon, Call for Release of Detained Lebanese

Supporters of Sheikh Ahmad al-Assir gathered outside the Bahaa Hariri Mosque in Sidon, southern Lebanon, to protest his ongoing detention and that of other Lebanese detainees. They called for a comprehensive resolution to the issue of arrests in the country.

Demands for Fair Treatment

During the demonstration, al-Assir's wife urged for the release of detained Lebanese individuals, arguing they should be treated similarly to detained Syrians in Lebanese prisons. She criticized the situation as a form of selective justice and stressed the need for a legal framework that addresses all detainees without discrimination.

Protest Timing and Judicial Agreement

The protest coincided with the announcement of a judicial agreement between Lebanon and Syria, signed at the Grand Serail in Beirut. This agreement pertains to the transfer of convicts, bringing renewed attention to the status of detainees in Lebanese prisons.

Case Background

On January 9, the Beirut Criminal Court held a public session regarding the attempted murder of Bilal Hamoud, involving the trial of Ahmad al-Assir, artist Fadl Shaker, and four other defendants. During this session, al-Assir acknowledged the formation of an armed group known as the "Free Resistance Brigades," comprising around 200 members. He justified this action by citing the state's failure to protect him and his supporters from attacks he attributed to the "Resistance Brigades." Al-Assir claimed he had informed authorities of his decision to form the group at that time.

In contrast, he denied providing funding or arms to Fadl Shaker and asserted he was not present during the incident involving Bilal Hamoud, stating that he had reached out to the Internal Security Forces to address the matter.