Aoun: Some Parties Turning al-Hasan Assassination into Political Battle
Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun on Sunday accused "some parties" of turning the assassination of Internal Security Forces Intelligence Bureau chief Maj. Gen. Wissam al-Hasan into a "political battle," warning that violence "would facilitate the mission of those plotting against Lebanon."
"Maj. Gen. Wissam al-Hasan is the martyr of the entire country, not only the martyr of his security institution," Aoun said at a press conference in Rabiyeh.
"We will join everyone in honoring martyr al-Hasan," he noted.
The FPM leader called on the government to "mobilize quickly to address the material damage in Ashrafiyeh."
Hasan and at least three other people were killed and more than 100 others wounded in a powerful rush-hour car bombing on Friday that hit the Ashrafiyeh district in Beirut.
The force of the explosion gutted two apartment blocs, tearing off balconies and shattering windows. Falling masonry crushed cars parked below.
Commenting on the unrest that broke out in the wake of Hasan's assassination, Aoun warned that “the blocking of roads and violence in all its forms will harm those who are doing such acts and facilitate the mission of those who are plotting against the country."
"Hasan's assassination must not be exploited to sow sedition," he stressed.
"The occasion must take place with dignity and respect for the martyr and we must not turn it into a riot that may lead to uncontrollable repercussions," Aoun cautioned.
"We reiterate our condemnation of the crime and we hope everyone will take into consideration what we cautioned against today because the situation does not bear incitement," he added.
Angry youths continued on Saturday their protests against Internal Security Forces Intelligence Bureau head Brigadier General Wissam al-Hasan's assassination on Friday by blocking roads in various regions throughout the country.
Angry protesters took to the streets across the country as news of Hasan's assassination broke, as violence erupted in the northern city of Tripoli.
Clashes also broke out Friday night between rival groups in Tripoli's Abi Samra neighborhood, amid an exchange of gunfire between the rival neighborhoods of Bab al-Tabbaneh and Jabal Mohsen.
Sheikh Abdul Razzaq al-Asmar was killed in the unrest and the army has since intervened to restore calm.
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