Ghosn Denounces Assault Against Clerics: The Country was Spared the Bitter Cup

Defense Minister Fayez Ghosn denounced in a statement on Monday the assault that targeted two clerics of the Dar al-Fatwa, hailing the Lebanese Army's prompt reaction and wisdom of Lebanese politicians in addressing the matter.

“The country passed a challenging dilemma that almost led the country to the abyss as the result of the assault against the two clerics from Dar al-Fatwa, Mazen Hariri and Ahmed Fakhran,” said Ghosn.

Praising the immediate intervention of the Lebanese Army, Ghosn also commended the “wise” reaction of politicians, he said: “the wisdom of leaders of various political affiliations spared the country the bitter cup as the result of disgraceful behavior practiced by some.”

The MP stressed that the Lebanese Army will not hesitate to take the necessary measures to protect Lebanon, vowing that “the it will strike with an iron fist against any attempt to trigger strife,” he said, criticizing sectarian political rhetoric and inciting media reports.

Dar al-Fatwa clerics Sheikh Mazen Hariri and Sheikh Ahmed Fakhran were beaten up on Sunday while passing through the Beirut area of Khandaq al-Ghamiq, and were rushed to the hospital.

As the news broke out, angry protesters blocked roads in the Beirut areas of Tariq al-Jedideh, Qasqas and Corniche al-Mazraa, as well as Sidon's entrance in the South and al-Masnaa's road in the Bekaa.

Later on Sunday, the army managed to arrest three people involved in the attack, Interior Minister Marwan Charbel announced.

Meanwhile, Hizbullah and AMAL Movement condemned the attack on the clerics, describing it as an attempt to incite strife and stressing that the perpetrators must be arrested and punished.