International community voices support for independence of Lebanese judiciary after violent classes in Beirut leave six dead

BEIRUT — Violent clashes left six dead in the Lebanese capital of Beirut on Thursday when supporters of Hezbollah and Amal were fired upon by gunmen of the Lebanese Forces political party while protesting against the judge overseeing the investigation into the Beirut port explosion, which is now paused for the third time.

With the specter of civil war looming, members of the international community expressed concern at the deteriorating security situation.

The United States placed the blame primarily on Hezbollah and the Amal Movement. State Department spokesperson Ned Price said that the U.S. opposes intimidation and threats of violence against the judiciary in any country and supports the independence of the judiciary in Lebanon. Price went on to say that judges must be free from violence and threats, including intimidation by Hezbollah. The U.S. has previously stated that Hezbollah’s illegal activities undermine the security and stability of Lebanon and its sovereignty.

Saudi Arabia shared the opinion of the U.S., its Ministry of Foreign Affairs publishing a statement expressing the need for peace and security to prevail in Lebanon by ending the possession and use of weapons outside the framework of the state, a clear reference to the Hezbollah, closely linked to Saudi adversary Iran.

In a more comprehensive call, the European Union held Lebanese politicians in general responsible for the developments and current situation in the country. The EU called on all parties in Lebanon to exercise restraint, declaring that it will employ sanctions if necessary.

The United Nations also expressed its concern about the dangerous developments in Lebanon. U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said that Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on all concerned in Lebanon to immediately stop acts of violence, stop provocative acts and inflammatory rhetoric, and stressed the necessity of conducting an independent investigation into the case of the Beirut port explosion.

Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit called on all parties to exercise restraint and to avoid sedition and language of incitement. Lebanon’s national interest must take precident over any sectarian interests, he said. Gheit also stressed the pivotal role of the Lebanese Army in controlling the situation and highlighted the need to continue the investigation of the port explosion and to hold accountability those responsible.

The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry expressed concern about the situation and the deliberate obstruction of the investigation process into the port explosion. A spokesperson for the Ministry said that the Lebanese judiciary must be given an opportunity to work in an independent and impartial manner with the full support of the Lebanese authorities.