A group of women at a Beirut gynaecology clinic on Wednesday clashed with investigators from a UN probe into the murder of ex-premier Rafiq Hariri, stripping them of a briefcase, local media reported.
Several local television channels, including Hezbollah's Al-Manar, reported a team of two investigators and their translator entered a private obstetrics and gynaecology clinic in the Hezbollah-controlled southern suburb of Beirut mid-morning.
Tens of women in the clinic then rushed towards them and blocked them from entering any further, wrangling away a briefcase in the process, according to the LBC television channel.
Doctor Iman Sharara, who runs the clinic, declined to comment when contacted by AFP. It was not immediately clear why the investigators were visiting the facility.
MP Yassine Jaber of the Shiite Amal movement, an ally of Hezbollah, said the incident was a sign the tribunal was "not welcome" in Lebanon, in an interview with LBC.
The UN-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon was set up in The Hague to find and try the killers of Hariri, assassinated in a massive bombing on February 14, 2005.
Lebanon is facing a full-blown crisis over the tribunal as unconfirmed reports indicate it is set to accuse members of Shiite militant group Hezbollah.
The Syrian- and Iranian-backed party has accused the United Nations of interfering in Lebanese affairs and warned such an eventuality will have repercussions in Lebanon, calling instead for a local investigation.
Saudi-backed Sunni Prime Minister Saad Hariri, son of the slain ex-premier, has meanwhile vowed to see the tribunal through.
Tens of women in the clinic then rushed towards them and blocked them from entering any further, wrangling away a briefcase in the process, according to the LBC television channel.
Doctor Iman Sharara, who runs the clinic, declined to comment when contacted by AFP. It was not immediately clear why the investigators were visiting the facility.
MP Yassine Jaber of the Shiite Amal movement, an ally of Hezbollah, said the incident was a sign the tribunal was "not welcome" in Lebanon, in an interview with LBC.
The UN-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon was set up in The Hague to find and try the killers of Hariri, assassinated in a massive bombing on February 14, 2005.
Lebanon is facing a full-blown crisis over the tribunal as unconfirmed reports indicate it is set to accuse members of Shiite militant group Hezbollah.
The Syrian- and Iranian-backed party has accused the United Nations of interfering in Lebanese affairs and warned such an eventuality will have repercussions in Lebanon, calling instead for a local investigation.
Saudi-backed Sunni Prime Minister Saad Hariri, son of the slain ex-premier, has meanwhile vowed to see the tribunal through.
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