EDL Files Charges against 3 Contract Workers for Defamation, Shutting Company

The Electricite du Liban administration announced on Wednesday that it is taking legal action against three contract workers for their recent actions at the company's headquarters in Beirut's Mar Mikhael neighborhood, reported the National News Agency.

It said that the administration filed the charges against them for closing the company and preventing its employees from heading to their jobs.

They have also been charged with defamation against EDL and its board of directors, as well as misleading the public through spreading false rumors.

The charges were filed against L.M., B.B., and A.S.

Interior Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq, the General Prosecution, and Internal Security Forces were informed of the measure and requested to take the necessary action “to put an end to the flawed situation at the company.”

The EDL workers went on an open-ended strike last week after accusing the state-run firm of not abiding by the law following a decision for the employment of only 897 out of the 2,000 workers.

The workers erected tents at the company's headquarters and several of its branches, and closed its doors to stop any employee from going in.

On Monday, contract workers blocked roads across Lebanon after security forces arrested several of their colleagues during a protest that turned violent in the southern city of Tyre.

Two men were apprehended when the workers clashed with the security forces for reopening a road they had blocked near the company's office in Tyre.

EDL Director General Kamal al-Hayek said on Thursday that EDL was not a “barn” and denied that the law allowed all contract workers to become full-time employees.

M.T.

G.K.