Fears of Renewed Tension Following the Release of 4 Generals
Fears of renewed tension and political bickering between the Hizbullah-led opposition and the parliamentary majority rose following the release of the four generals after a long imprisonment that was accompanied by Hizbullah accusations toward its foes and calls to hold accountable those responsible for the "arbitrary" detention.
Hizbullah hailed Wednesday a U.N. court ruling ordering the release of the four generals after a long "arbitrary" detention imposed by those in power following the 2005 murder of ex-premier Rafik Hariri.
"Hizbullah welcomes the release of the four generals and congratulates their families after a long arbitrary detention in prison cells without any evidence," it said in a statement.
It accused its political foes of "flouting all laws and established procedures" and politicizing Lebanese jurisdiction.
"The priority should now be to hold accountable and prosecute all those responsible for years of deception and procrastination," the statement read.
Sources loyal to the government described as an "atmosphere more like a coup d”état" the mood that surrounded the aftermath of the generals” release, according to the daily Al Liwaa on Thursday.
They said they feared the atmosphere will look similar to the one that prevailed after the generals” arrest in August 2005.
Al Liwaa pointed to the huge Hizbullah presence — including several Hizbullah MPs who gathered along with well-wishers at the generals” homes.
The paper, however, noticed the absence of lawmakers from Nabih Berri”s and Michel Aoun”s parliamentary blocs.
As Safir newspaper, for its part, believed the release of the generals — which took place not very far from the Lebanese parliamentary elections –will be the "focus of investment" by the opposition.
The daily also believed that the generals” release could lead to "more radicalism among some doctrinal and political environments."
As Safir expressed regret that what the Lebanese judiciary could not accomplish in four years the international tribunal was able to do in less than months since launch of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon in March.
It quoted François Roux, head of STL”s defense office, as saying that the court did what it had to do concerning the generals.
"All what the international tribunal did is put an end to a situation that had caused the court legal difficulties and we saw that the release of the generals complies with the principles of justice," Roux said.
Meanwhile, Justice Minister Ibrahim Najjar told As Safir that Lebanon "swiftly implemented the court”s ruling…and I”m very comfortable with that."