Demo against Arrest Warrants Called Off in Tripoli, More Fugitives Interrogated

A demonstration that was planned to take place on Friday to protest the arrest warrants issued against hundreds of the northern city of Tripoli's residents has been called off, after the interference of several political figures.

A group of young men had called via social media platforms for a “mass demonstration” in Abdul Hamid Karami Square in Tripoli after Friday's prayers, to demand withdrawing the arrest warrants issued against hundreds of the city's residents.

“But after the interference of many influential figures in the city and the adoption of strict security measures by the army, the protest has been called off,” the state-run National News Agency said.

"A small-scale sit-in took place instead, with dozens of participants gathering in front of the Amira mosque in Tripoli's Bab al-Ramel neighborhood,” NNA reported.

The protesters called for the release of Sheikh Tareq Merhi, the mosque's Imam, and his companions, who have been held in Roumieh prison for years over their ties with militant group Fatah al-Islam, according to the same source.

In a related matter, Judge Nabil Wehbe interrogated on Friday two detainees from the Tripoli neighborhood of Bab al-Tabbaneh, and issued arrest warrants against them.

Wehbe also issued arrest warrants in absentia against 12 other fugitives, among them were Ziad A., Saad M., and Farouq M.

This comes as army troops and security forces continue to implement a security plan approved by the cabinet in the North and the Bekaa, to end the state of violence and chaos in the region. So far, more than 40 fugitives have been arrested, and many stolen vehicles and illegal weapons have been seized.

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