LEBANON: Universal Syriac Union Party President Ibrahim Mrad summoned by Criminal Investigation Branch for questioning over recent statements

BEIRUT — President of the Universal Syriac Union Party (USUP) and Secretary General of Christian Front of Lebanon Ibrahim Mrad was summoned to the Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) to be questioned over a recent speech he made. In his speech, Mrad called for the Lebanese state to be liberated from Iranian control and called on the Lebanese people to militarily confront Iranian-back Hezbollah.

After a series of transgressions and abuses targeting Christians in the country, Mrad released a video condemning the current situation. “The Lebanese people from all denominations must live in coexistence, separate from the armed militias that want to rule Lebanon,” he stated.

Hezbollah and its supporters selectively edited the full video released by Mrad and spread it via social media without its original context. Shortly afterwards, Mrad reportedly began receiving death threats.

The CIB has summoned Mrad for interrogation about the content of the video.

Following six hours of questioning, Mrad was released. Today, Mrad was again summoned for a new investigation about the fabricated video.

Hezbollah and its supporters want to silence all voices that call for coexistence on the basis of citizenship and equality in rights and duties, away from the interference of militias that want to rule Lebanon by force of arms, he reiterated.

Christian and Islamic political parties and institutions opposing Hezbollah have condemned the allegations made against Mrad and have called for justice.