Tawq Supporters Protest Removal of Illegal Construction, MP Geagea Voices Support for Security Forces
Security forces clashed on Tuesday with supporters of former MP Jebran Tawq in the northern city of Bsharre over the removal of illegal construction.
"Tawq's supporters protested the removal of a recently built amphitheater in the Cedar forest,” the state-run National News Agency reported, noting that the construction was established on the occasion of the weeding ceremony of the former MP's son.
The NNA said: “The protesters blocked the Ainta-al-Arz international road.”
"Tear gas was used in the clashes and the protesters were divided between those supporting the blocking of the road, and others calling for reopening it.”
"Local figures and Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rahi were called to intervene without reaching consensus and the road is still blocked," the same source remarked.
LBCI television later noted that negotiations are underway between the protesters and security forces over the removal of the amphitheater.
“Caretaker Interior Minister Marwan Charbel and former MP Jebran Tawq are discussing the possibility of reopening the Bsharre road,” LBCI added.
Tawq explained to LBCI that the amphitheater was built for a family occasion and on a private property that is "protected by the constitution."
“It does not harm the environment and we want to plant trees in it,” he said.
"All Bsharre residents want to keep the amphitheater and what is happening today is a militia-like behavior.”
He continued: “We do not want troubles but Bsharre lawmakers are held responsible for the stage we reached today.”
Later in the day, however, Tawq urged his supporters to reopen the blocked road to “legally” find a solution to the clashes with security forces, according to al-Jadeed television.
Commenting on the escalation of events, Lebanese Forces MP Sethrida Geagea stated that “the majority of Bsharre residents support the security forces.”
“We urge them to continue their mission of removing illegal constructions,” the Bsharre MP said.
"We want our city to be an example of a region that respects the state's authority and we insist that everyone abides by the law that should be applied without any exceptions.”
Geagea elaborated on Tuesday's event to Radio Free Lebanon: “The caretaker Environment Minister took a decision to remove the newly built illegal construction near the Cedar forest, but when security forces started their work, a group of supporters of ex-MP Tawq tried to prevent them.”
"We call on Tawq to take the initiative and ask his supporters to allow security forces to complete their mission,” she said.
"Let's leave these matters to the state that protects us along with the army and the security forces.”
Geagea thanked Charbel, caretaker Environment Minister Nazem al-Khouri, and caretaker Culture Minister Gaby Layyoun over their insistence to preserve
"We also appreciate the efforts exerted by acting Internal Security Forces chief Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Basbous and the security forces.”
LF MP Elie Keyrouz assured LBCI that the removal of illegal construction “does not target anyone.”
"It is a matter of a violation near the Cedar forest, which is placed on the list of World Heritage Sites,” he pointed out.
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