BEIRUT: Relatives of a slain Lebanese Sheikh
urged authorities to act after alleged leaked documents said Syrian
intelligence had a role in his death, the National News Agency reported.
“We call on the Lebanese authorities to
immediately take action after the leaked documents were published and issue
arrest warrants against Syrian officials,” Sheikh Ahmad Abdel Wahed’s brother,
Alaa, said in a press conference held in Akkar.
Dubai-based Al Arabiya TV released what it
said were leaked Syrian documents saying that Abdel Wahed and his companion
Hussein Mereb were killed at Syria's behest.
Abdel Wahed was traveling with Sheikh Hussein
al-Mereb on May 20 when the two were halted before being shot dead at an Army
checkpoint in the northern region of Kweikhat.
Speaking on behalf of the family, the late
Sheikh’s brother also called on President Michel Sleiman and Prime Minister
Najib Mikati to hold an emergency Cabinet session and transfer the case to the
Justice Council.
“If the Cabinet does not do so, we will
consider it a partner in crime,” Alaa told reporters.
He also warned that the family will escalate action,
working in coordination with the March 14 alliance, if the Cabinet does not
respond to their demands.
Attending the conference, Future Movement
Politburo member Mohammad Al Mourad also urged authorities to take action in
the case.
“The Cabinet should be humble enough and
convene to refer Abdul-Wahed’s case to the judicial council,” he said.
He also voiced the support of the March 14
coalition for the Sheikh’s family.
“The Future Movement and March 14 coalition
have always considered this case as a top priority that should be followed up
to reveal the circumstances behind the two Sheikhs’ killing,” said Mourad.
The killing of Abdel Wahed and his companion
earlier this year has sparked tensions between the residents of the North and
the army.
Tension reached its peak a few days after his
death as northern residents blocked Akkar roads in protest at the release on
bail of three Army officers and eight soldiers involved in the two Sheikhs
killing.
The Future Movement, which
enjoys great support in Akkar, has also criticized the authorities for allowing
the release of the military personnel suspected of involvement in the killing
of Abdel Wahed and Mereb.http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Local-News/2012/Oct-03/190020-relatives-of-slain-sheikh-urge-action-over-leaked-reports.ashx#axzz2816QG51z
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