Customs Acting Chief Apologizes to Al-Jadeed TV for Assault against Journalists

Customs acting chief Shafiq Merhi apologized on Monday to al-Jadeed television over last week's assault against its journalists.

He added in an interview with the television station that he did not order customs agents to attack the crew.

“We are awaiting the judiciary to take the appropriate measures in the incident,” he remarked.

“The Customs office will not protect the assailants,” stressed Merhi.

On Tuesday, al-Jadeed television journalists were assaulted by Customs agents in downtown Beirut after reporter Riyad Qobeissi used a megaphone to demand an interview with Merhi about alleged corruption.

Following a lawsuit filed by the television station, the Central Criminal Investigations Department questioned the crew under the supervision of the state prosecutor for several hours before releasing them.

A statement from the Customs said Tuesday that the journalist used degrading language, adding it was not the appropriate manner to request an interview.