Protesters Ask for 'Justice' for Islamist Prisoners, Vow 'Intifada' and 'Vengeance'
إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية
Hundreds of protesters demanded on Sunday that trial procedures be accelerated for Islamist prisoners, who have been held in Roumieh prison without charge since 2007, and vowed an uprising and “vengeance” against the authorities.
“We ask today for justice or else let them (officials) burn in hell,” they said at the protest held in downtown Beirut's Martyrs Square.
The protest was given a boost by controversial Salafist cleric Sheikh Ahmed al-Asir, who came along with his supporters from the southern city of Sidon to Beirut to attend the rally.
"We are being treated this way because we are members of the defeated (Sunni) sect," said al-Asir in a speech.
He called for “an Intifada to end the hegemony.”
He also accused some judges at the military court of coming under political pressure, saying “we don't have trust in your magistrates and your tribunal.”
Addressing President Michel Suleiman and every official, al-Asir said: “Release them immediately because we don't accept that they be tried after being seized for six years.”
Most other speakers at the protest warned the Lebanese authorities that the families and supporters of the detainees “won't remain silent” and will “take vengeance.”
“They should be released through fair trials,” they said, adding they would call for compensations.
Pretrial hearings for 86 Islamists were held at Beirut's Justice Palace earlier this month, the first legal action taken by the Lebanese judiciary ahead of their trial.
Justice Minister Shakib Qortbawi has promised speedy trials for the Islamists without political intervention.
Sunday's protest caused bumper-to-bumper traffic at Beirut's entrances, mainly in Dora, after security forces set up checkpoints ahead of the event.
The Nahr al-Bared Palestinian refugee camp in northern Lebanon was almost totally destroyed during a months-long conflict between the Lebanese military and the al-Qaida-inspired group Fatah al-Islam in 2007.
The fighting killed some 400 people, including 168 soldiers.
Some Islamist leaders escaped despite the army siege of the camp.
The inmates were arrested on charges of fighting or aiding the Fatah al-Islam fighters in Nahr al-Bared that lies near the northern coastal city of Tripoli.
Several of them have escaped from Roumieh in daring prison breaks.
24 February 2013, 15:17
22
Time to get the trials going. The idea of holding someone for six years without a trial is an affront to justice and human decency.
These trials must be fair and transparent and those found guilty must be made to pay for their crimes. Those found innocent must be compensated and released.
There should be a judicial investigation as to why people are held for six years without a trial.
24 February 2013, 15:27
32
i guess aoun and M8 will voice their support to them as they cannot stand that people are being held without any charges.
didn t they do that for the 4 generals?
24 February 2013, 16:50
14
Why don't they settle these cases once and for all. I guess even the judges are motivated or unmotivated politically. No one should be held without charges indefinitely. My opinion one month top with a very good reason to be arrested.
24 February 2013, 18:26
31
This is what happens when you have 2 foreign groups in Lebanon...
24 February 2013, 19:12
12
Why, so they can be released to a heroes welcome?
I say send these smelly rats to Syria under the condition they fight jihad, and tip Syrian authorities off as to what part of the border they will enter so they can be executed like the last bunch who tried.
24 February 2013, 19:36
10
Everything is Hezbfarsia fault? I don't like them either, but Sunni extremism is more dangerous than any other form of extremism, why? Because who else sanctifies the death of "infidels" but these Salafis and Wahabis? Who else is blowing up churches and mosques and hijacking airplanes into buildings? The salami/wahabi disease is the our first priority, after these animals are washed away we can continue on to the rest.
24 February 2013, 21:25
12
can anyone name names as to who's responsible for these guys to be tried?
do people just accept this fact and are ok with never finding out why it's been delayed so long?
aren't there journalists who are willing to inquire and write it up?
24 February 2013, 21:41
22
Walla FT I am proud of you. You can make some intelligent comments.
24 February 2013, 23:59
01
Regarding the trials, I totally agree with you guys. However, the question is to why and under what conditions do certain "MC"-like clerk host rallies in downtown and threaten our standing institutions? the last time this happened I believe we all did not like it [#7Ayyar]
The question here is:
1-Why is the Lebanese court delaying the trails?
2-Why are people dealing so easily with individuals or groups who have taken part of contributed to the fighting of our national army?
3-Since 2007, we have seen both leading factions in Lebanon lead the government, is the "Trail question" an issue related to the government or the mainstream tangles of the Lebanese political system?
#WTF #whoareyoufooling #whattookyousolong #whokilledbrucelee
Salam
One of the few citizens left
25 February 2013, 19:33
00
good post ft...i agree with you and if they are convicted punish them but give them their day in court soon....
27 February 2013, 10:43
00
where did this guy come from !!!!!!!!!!!!! i have never heard of him till now ...i wonder why ..does it have to do something with the votes ...hmmm just a thought ..... ....oh wait dolla dolla loooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooool
