“Rioters” Seek To Take Lebanon Backward
Environment Minister Tony Karam said the “rioters” at Saturday’s fourth commemoration of the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri wanted the tension that provoked the May events to return.
After offering his condolences on Monday to the family of Lutfi Abbas Zeineddine, who was stabbed to death by opposition members after the Hariri commemoration, he said that such an incident should urge the security forces to take more measures to protect everyone’s freedom of expression.
He said that the violence was preceded by verbal clashes and the throwing of several hand grenades in Saida, Beirut and at the Lebanese Forces office in Sin al-Fil on Sunday.
The assault raised questions about the violence’s “hidden intentions,” he said.
“Does this situation serve national interests, and does it assure the upcoming parliamentary elections [will occur] in a calm atmosphere?” he asked.
He said that Saturday’s stabbing, as well as MEA employee Joseph Sader’s kidnapping last Thursday would be discussed during the cabinet’s meeting on Thursday, and decisions on what security and safety measures should be taken to avoid such incidents would be made.