Security Forces Tasked with Protection of Several Phalange, LF MPs Withdrawn

The security forces tasked with protecting Phalange Party MP Nadim Gemayel were withdrawn, the state-run National News Agency reported on Thursday.

"The Central Security Council informed Gemayel the removal of the security entourage tasked with protecting him,” the NNA said.

Gemayel released a statement later, holding the caretaker minister of interior responsible “for his personal safety.”

"A notice like this implies that (caretaker Interior Minister) Marwan Charbel is the person in charge of the lawmakers' security and protection,” he said, pointing out to the current “chaotic security situation in the country when assassinations and explosions have resumed.”

Meanwhile, Voice of Lebanon radio (100.5) confirmed on Thursday that Phalange bloc MP Sami Gemayel was also informed by the council the withdrawal of all security forces tasked with his protection.

“The Lebanese Forces bloc received word that the security forces tasked with protecting its MPs have been withdrawn,” it added.

MTV later noted that Phalange lawmaker Elie Marouni and Lebanese Forces MP Antoine Zahra's bodyguards were also withdrawn.

“The decision to withdraw the security forces encompasses all MPs and we question the timing of this call at the time of political assassinations,” Zahra said.

Earlier on Thursday, al-Mustaqbal MP Ahmed Fatfat expressed that he holds “all concerned authorities responsible for any assault against him,” after he had received the same notice.

But after contacting Charbel, Fatfat announced that the forces will resume their work, explaining that this is due to the sensitive "position he represents and the security dangers he may be exposed to for being a former interior minister."

The interior ministry elaborated Thursday afternoon, saying that the Central Security Council “only withdrew the extra security forces tasked with protecting the lawmakers.”

"The Central Security Council in its last meeting decided to withdraw the additional bodyguards tasked with the protection of several political figures and that violate decree number 2512,” a statement released by Charbel's office said.

It explained saying that these internal security forces will “undergo training and will serve in police stations all over Lebanon.”

"The protection of figures is the responsibility of the general-directorate of the Internal Security Forces' officers.”

Charbel remarked: “Acting ISF chief Ibrahim Basbous was asked to prepare a list of figures in need of keeping this kind of protection in coordination with General Security chief Abbas Ibrahim, and a decision in this regard will be announced in the council's upcoming meeting.”

Later on Thursday, the March 14 camp condemned the Central Security Council's decision, saying that it “completely contradicts with the dangerous situation the country is passing through.”

It noted in a statement that the decision also contradicts the decision Charbel had taken himself to ensure the safety of the lawmakers.

It therefore demanded that the council retract its decision and restore the withdrawn security forces to their positions “otherwise it and the interior minister will be held responsible for any harm that may befall any March 14 MP or official.”

“Has the government taken the decision to encourage the killers and those behind the political assassinations through the Central Security Council's decision?” it wondered.

“What alternative measures has the Interior Ministry taken in order to protect the forces of democracy that do not believe in weapons as a replacement of the Lebanese state?” asked the March 14 camp.