Naharnet

Rifi Criticizes 'Hizbullah's Armed Appearance' in Dahiyeh

Former Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi slammed “Hizbullah's armed manifestation” in the southern suburbs of Beirut on Friday, saying it confirms the “state's resignation in favor of statelets,” his media office said in a statement on Saturday

“Although Lebanon's security forces are capable of uprooting drug dealers and contraband promoters, we instead saw yesterday a manifestation that confirms the State's resignation in favor of statelets,” said Rifi in his statement.

“Hizbullah has staged an armed appearance in Dahiyeh, showing the contradiction that this party expresses with the State and its institutions,” it added.

Addressing President Michel Aoun, Rifi asked referring to the President’s statement that defended Hizbullah's arms and asked: “What you stated earlier about the army's incapability to defend Lebanon, does it apply now to the security forces as well? Are they incapable too of protecting the social security of the Lebanese?”

“I pose the same question on the entire government specifically the Ministers of Defense and Interior. The Lebanese are waiting for clear answers from their officials on what happened. We will follow up on the issue until the end,” stated Rifi.

Pictures of masked Hizbullah members in black-clad went viral on social media on Friday, as reports said they spread out in Bourj al-Barajneh refugee camp in the evening in a campaign against drug dealers and gangs.


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