Support Rally for Ahmad al-Assir in Saida Calls for Release of Lebanese Detainees

Supporters of detained Sheikh Ahmad al-Assir gathered outside the Bahaa Hariri Mosque in Saida, southern Lebanon, to protest his continued detention and that of several other Lebanese prisoners, demanding a comprehensive resolution to the issue of arrests.

Demands of the Protesters and Selective Justice

During the rally, al-Assir's wife called for the release of Lebanese detainees, similar to the treatment of Syrian prisoners in Lebanese jails, arguing that the current situation reflects selective justice. She emphasized the need for an inclusive legal approach that addresses all detainees without exception.

Timing of the Rally and Judicial Agreement

The protest coincided with the announcement of a judicial agreement signed by Lebanon and Syria at the Presidential Palace in Beirut, concerning the transfer of convicted individuals from the issuing country to their country of nationality. This development has brought the issue of detainees in Lebanese prisons back into public focus.

Context of the Case

It is important to note that the Beirut Criminal Court held a public hearing on January 9 to examine a case involving an alleged assassination attempt against a member of the "Resistance Series" by Hilal Hamoud, which includes the trial of artist Fadl Shaker, Sheikh Ahmad al-Assir, and four other defendants. During the hearing, al-Assir acknowledged founding an armed group called the "Free Resistance Brigades," consisting of approximately 200 members, citing the state's inaction to protect him and his supporters, as well as attacks and murders he attributed to the "Resistance Series." He claimed to have informed official authorities of his decision at that time.

Conversely, al-Assir denied financing or arming artist Fadl Shaker and refuted his presence at the scene of the alleged assassination attempt, asserting that he had reached out to internal security forces to address the issue.