South Sub-Security Council Bans Demos in Sidon, Vows to Prevent Road Blocking

The sub-security council of the South on Monday decided to ban demos in Sidon and pledged to prevent road-blocking protests in the city, in the wake of the unrest that followed the deadly Abra battle.

The meeting was chaired by South Governor Nicolas Abu Daher and attended by all the chiefs of security and military units in the province, in the presence of South prosecutor Samih al-Hajj.

The conferees lauded “the major efforts that are being exerted by the political, spiritual and civil figures of the city of Sidon to fortify security and stability and help residents in the reconstruction of buildings destroyed by the tragic events that happened in the town of Abra.”

They also voiced relief over “the security measures taken by all the Palestinian and Islamist factions to prevent (the Ain el-Hilweh refugee camp) from being dragged into the clashes.”

The conferees called on all religious leaders to “urge citizens to avoid sectarian rhetoric in order to protect civil peace,” revealing that “security measures and patrols will be intensified in the city and its surroundings to preserve security, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.”

The sub-security council also decided to ban demos “until further notice” and prevent the blocking of roads “under any excuse or slogan,” warning that “the Lebanese army and all security forces will not be lenient at all with anyone who tries to block roads.”

The conferees also reminded of a previous resolution that prohibited all forms of banners that incite sectarian sentiments, calling on municipalities to “practice their regulatory role.”

On Friday, hundreds of men and women supporting Salafist cleric Sheikh Ahmed al-Asir marched from Bilal Bin Rabah Mosque after Friday prayers, heading to al-Karameh roundabout in the southern city of Sidon.

The protestors assaulted TV crews in Abra, smashing the windows of their cars and breaking their cameras during the march.

The deadly Abra battle started when al-Asir's supporters opened fire on an army checkpoint and killed a number of troops.

Eighteen army troops and around 20 gunmen were killed in the clashes that were sparked by the incident.