Families of Islamists Protest Near Roumieh, Army Blocks Media Coverage
The families of Islamist inmates in Roumieh prison held a sit-in outside the compound east of Beirut on Sunday although the Lebanese army prevented reporters from covering the event.
Some 15 buses were seen heading to the compound, the state-run National News Agency reported.
“We are holding the sit-in to ask the authorities why they violated promises to release the prisoners,” Sheikh Mohammed Ibrahim told TV crews, who were stationed in the nearby town of Nahr al-Mot, after the army stopped reporters from reaching the prison, citing “security concerns.”
The sit-in is peaceful, Ibrahim said as he spoke on behalf of the families.
He denied alleged claims that the protesters were planning riots and urged the army to clarify why it took such measures.
The inmates were arrested on charges of fighting or aiding al-Qaida-inspired Fatah al-Islam fighters in the Nahr al-Bared battles with the Lebanese army in 2007.
The Nahr al-Bared Palestinian refugee camp that lies near the northern coastal city of Tripoli was almost totally destroyed during a months-long conflict between the military and Fatah al-Islam.
The fighting killed some 400 people, including 168 soldiers.
Some Islamist leaders escaped despite the army siege of the camp. Several of them have also escaped from Roumieh in daring prison breaks.
The Lebanese judiciary took the first legal action against the prisoners by holding in February pretrial hearings ahead of their trial.
In June 2012, nine Islamists, linked to the 2007 clashes, were released from Roumieh prison.
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