Charbel, Islamists Agree on Mawlawi Re-interrogation, Roads Reopened as Sit-in Remains

An agreement was reached on Wednesday between Interior Minister Marwan Charbel, Islamic committees and the committee following up on the case of Islamist detainees, under which Salafist activist Shadi al-Mawlawi will be re-interrogated on Thursday under the supervision of Judge Saqr Saqr and in the presence of Mawlawi’s lawyers.

Following the agreement, Islamist protesters reopened roads leading to Tripoli’s al-Nour Square but decided to maintain their sit-in until Thursday afternoon.

Charbel later arrived at the square and met with the protesters.

The agreement was reached at the office of North Governor Nassif Qaloush in the presence of Muslim clerics Dai al-Islam al-Shahhal, Zakariya al-Masri, Salem al-Rafehi, Bilal Baroudi, Mohammed Sayyed, Ali Hajar, Nabil Rahim, Kamal al-Rafehi, and lawyers Sheikh Raed Sulti and Sheikh Ahmed Shaarani.

State-run National News Agency said Mawlawi’s case faces three possibilities: “He might be freed if proven innocent, released on bail if he is involved in offences, or kept in custody over substantial charges that do not allow his release on bail.”

Mawlawi’s arrest on Saturday in the northern city of Tripoli by General Security agents had infuriated the city’s Islamists and sparked three days of deadly clashes that left nine people dead and more than 90 wounded. Clashes renewed for several hours on Wednesday in the city, leaving one person dead and at least 10 wounded.

Mawlawi was arrested on charges of belonging to a terrorist organization, but his supporters say he was targeted because of his help for Syrian refugees fleeing to Lebanon.

General Security chief Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim on Tuesday confirmed media reports that the arrest of Mawlawi was coordinated with a Western security agency, noting that al-Qaida exists in Lebanon and hinting that Mawlawi is a Qaida member.