Dar al-Fatwa Ulemas Urge Political, Religious Figures to End Sedition

Dar al-Fatwa Ulemas called on all the political and religious leaderships to consolidate efforts to maintain security in the country and prevent sedition.

“Political and religious figures must unite their stances and reject division... to guarantee the strength and stability of Muslims and the Sunni sect,” a statement read by Sheikh Hisham Khalifah said.

The statement pointed out that the religious rhetoric must spread peace and end tension and extremism in the country.

The Ulemas stressed that the Lebanese army is the sole guarantee for the country's security and stability, demanding it to deal equally with all the Lebanese.

They called on the release of those who didn't open fire at the army, who were detained over the clashes in the southern town of Abra near the city of Sidon.

The Ulemas are referring to the latest arrest and alleged abuse of Sunni detainees after a deadly battle between troops and supporters of radical Sheikh Ahmed al-Asir in Abra.

There have been claims that the army is committing abuses against people suspected of links to last week's clashes in which around 18 soldiers and more than 20 supporters of al-Asir died.

Last week, the army said it had ordered a "major investigation" into the beating of a suspect.