Peru Judge Orders Alleged Hizbullah Member Held 18 Months

A Peruvian judge has ordered a Lebanese man held for 18 months for investigation for entering the country with false documents and who authorities say belongs to Hizbullah.

Police arrested Mohamed Hamdar on Oct. 28, saying traces of explosives were found among his possessions.

Prosecutor Wendy Calero also claimed Hamdar had been gathering information for Hizbullah.

Judge Angel Mendivil on Thursday ordered him held for investigation.

The 28-year-old Hamdar denied he belonged to Hizbullah or had any violent intent and told the judge that police interrogators tried to coerce a confession from him.

"They told me that if you're not going to collaborate with us we're going to arrest your wife now," Hamdar said in court.

"I am not a terrorist," he said.

Police have said they were tipped off to Hamdar's arrival in Peru by Israeli intelligence.