Security forces detain and release Lebanese Maronite archbishop crossing border from Israel to Lebanon yesterday

BEIRUT — Security forces detained, and later released, Maronite Archbishop Moussa al-Hage Monday after the latter traveled from Israel back into South Lebanon over allegations of “cooperating with Israel,” the state-run National News Agency reported.

Here’s what we know:

    • According to the NNA, the arrest came following a decision by the military investigative judge, Fadi Akiki. Hage was subjected to a thorough investigation and was released after some judges and clergymen intervened.

    • The head of the Lebanese Forces Samir Geagea considered in a tweet Tuesday the detention of Hage “a message to Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai based on his patriotic stances,” adding that the arrest “is not based on suspicion, evidence or presumption.”

    • According to the NNA, Rai met with Hage Tuesday, who said that he “was treated with respect during the 11 hours in which he was detained,” noting that he was “subjected to many questions.”

    • L’Orient Today reached out to an Rai spokesperson who declined to comment on the issue.