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Tayyouneh clashes

Lebanese Forces threatens legal action against Al-Akhbar over article on Tayyouneh clash investigation

Lebanese Forces threatens legal action against Al-Akhbar over article on Tayyouneh clash investigation

Lebanese Forces supporters gesture during a protest in Maarab against the summoning of party leader Samir Geagea for a hearing by army intelligence over the Oct. 14 Tayyouneh clashes. (Credit: Mohamed Azakir/Reuters)

BEIRUT — The Lebanese Forces issued a statement denying allegations that appeared in an Al-Akhbar article that alleges the party caused the Tayyouneh clashes based on purportedly leaked army intelligence investigation records.

Here’s what we know:

    • The Al-Akhbar piece, citing a military intelligence report backed by witness and suspect testimonies and video evidence, alleged that the Lebanese Forces had deployed high ranking officials in the party to scout the area the night before the clashes in order to prepare an ambush for Hezbollah and Amal supporters on their way to the justice palace for a planned protest on Oct. 14 to protest Judge Tarek Bitar’s handling of the port blast investigation.

    • The Lebanese Forces’ media bureau issued a statement denying the allegations in the article, which the party asserted “bears no relation to the truth whatsoever.” The statement also indicated that the party will take legal action against Al-Akhbar by filing charges of violating the confidentiality of the Tayyouneh clashes investigation and libel.

    • The Lebanese Forces had previously denied another report by Al-Akhbar on Oct. 26 and threatened legal action against the publication.

    • Lebanese Forces head Samir Geagea was called for questioning by judge Fadi Akiki as part of the Tayyouneh clashes investigation, prompting a number of political figures to express their support for him. Geagea missed his initial hearing and filed a complaint through his legal representative denouncing the summons as illegal.

    • The Oct. 14 clashes left seven people dead and more than 30 people wounded. 

BEIRUT — The Lebanese Forces issued a statement denying allegations that appeared in an Al-Akhbar article that alleges the party caused the Tayyouneh clashes based on purportedly leaked army intelligence investigation records. Here’s what we know:    • The Al-Akhbar piece, citing a military intelligence report backed by witness and suspect testimonies and video evidence, alleged...