The Lebanese Center for Human Rights (CLDH) is a local non-profit, non-partisan Lebanese human rights organization in Beirut that was established by the Franco-Lebanese Movement SOLIDA (Support for Lebanese Detained Arbitrarily) in 2006. SOLIDA has been active since 1996 in the struggle against arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance and the impunity of those perpetrating gross human violations.

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May 31, 2011

The Daily Star - Geagea criticizes legal action against Rifi - May 31, 2011

By Dana Khraiche
The Daily Star


Geagea also questioned reasons behind the uproar among politicians of both political camps over the Telecoms issue.
Geagea also questioned reasons behind the uproar among politicians of both political camps over the Telecoms issue.

BEIRUT: Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea criticized President Michel Sleiman’s request that legal action be taken against ISF chief Maj. Gen. Ashraf Rifi Tuesday, saying: Rifi is an “honest man.”

“They couldn’t find anyone else but [Rifi] to target, the most honest man,” Geagea said during a news conference in which he praised Rifi’s achievements during his term, including the arrest of dozens of Israeli spies and the increase in the number of Christians in the Internal Security Forces.

Sleiman Monday demanded legal action be taken against Rifi in connection with a dispute over a third telecoms network, by referring the case to the Justice Ministry.

“Are they trying him for not following Syria’s orders?” Geagea asked.

Lawmakers from the rival March 8 and March 14 camps clashed in Parliament Monday over the legality of the third GSM network as well as the prerogatives of the Telecoms Ministry and the state-run OGERO company.

Geagea also questioned reasons behind the uproar among politicians of both political camps over the telecoms incident, adding that the border conflict between Palestinians and the Israeli army earlier this month, which resulted in the killing of 11 Palestinians, deserved a greater response.

The LF leader also responded to Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri’s Monday remarks that the Cedar Revolution in 2005 set Lebanon back 60 years.

“It [might] have set Berri and his allies back 60 years, but it added 60 years of democracy and freedom to the Lebanese,” Geagea said.

In response to Patriarch Beshara Rai's calls Monday for an amendment to the Taif Accord to increase the president’s powers, Geagea said it was not the time to do so.

"It is not the time to look into this matter today, let them form the Cabinet first," Geagea said.


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