Charbel: Police Arrest 54, Pursue 87 Other Kidnap-for-Ransom Suspects

Interior Minister Marwan Charbel revealed on Friday that security forces have so far arrested 54 people involved in the kidnappings in return for ransom but scores remain on the run.

After presiding a meeting of the Central Security Council, Charbel said: “Those responsible for the kidnappings are known and will not receive any politician cover.”

Fifty-four suspects have been arrested and 87 others are still on the run in more than 39 cases of abductions, he told reporters.

Lebanon has been recently plagued by the kidnap-for-ransom phenomenon. The abductions are mostly targeting wealthy businessmen or their family members.

Charbel reiterated his call for a parliamentary seal of approval for strong measures by armed forces to deal with any security situation.

“The parliament should meet and sign a document that gives security agencies the authority to respond firmly to any attempt to create instability,” he told reporters.

The political deal between the MPs should include the withdrawal of gunmen from the streets, he said.

“The security situation in the country and the political divisions are forcing the security agencies to suffer from the consequences of what's happening on the ground,” he added.

But he stressed that the armed forces were “dealing wisely” with security incidents.

“My strength is that I don't belong to any party and I serve the citizens,” he said in response to his critics.

He challenged them by saying that he was ready to resign to pave way for them to take over his post.

“Let's see what they will be able to do,” Charbel said.