The region of the Middle East is FINALLY coming out from under the dominance of the Western Influence that has destroyed so much of the Shia's place within Islam.
This action by Lebanon to show it's loyality to all it's citizens including those of the radicalized Shia organization of Hezbollah is proving to be a venue of acceptance. In the past, ANYTHING, any action connected with Hezbollah would be viewed as a reaction to terrorists. Today. In Lebanon. The Shia have their place of protection with citizens' rights to protest even if they are members of Hezbollah.
Army officers arrested in Beirut killings (Click here)
Sun, 03 Feb 2008 01:39:00
Soldiers patrol the area during the clash in Shia Muslim suburb of Beirut
A Lebanese judge has ordered the arrest of three army officers and eight soldiers in the killing of Shia protesters in Beirut last week.
Authorities had listened to 85 civilian witness statements and questioned 120 military personnel, said a statement issued by Judge Jean Fahd on Saturday.
"The investigation is still continuing with a large number of civilian witnesses and a number of soldiers," it added. Lebanese troops had opened fire to break up an opposition protest over power cuts after the demonstrators burned tires and blocked roads in a mainly Shia Muslim suburb of Beirut last Sunday.
Seven supporters of Hezbollah and an ally from Amal were killed and some 30 protesters were also wounded in the violence, the worst clash in Beirut since a year ago. Hezbollah had criticized the army for mishandling the protest and demanded that those responsible for the deaths be punished swiftly.
In the first reaction to the results of the investigation, a senior opposition source told Reuters, "The initial results of the investigation show a high level of seriousness in (dealing with the matter) that assures us that things are going in the right direction."
Army commander General Michel Suleiman, who is also a presidential nominee, had been under pressure to identify those behind the violence.
The army's handling of Sunday's killings could tarnish its reputation as the only institution capable of keeping the peace in Lebanon.
The judge also ordered the arrest of six civilians for rioting and bearing unlicensed arms.
MHE/HAR
