Government refers sheikh Tufeili to Judicial Council
Lebanon, Judicial, 2/6/1998

Lebanon's Council of Ministers on Thursday referred Sheikh Sobhi Tufeili's case to the Judicial Council, the country's highest court, despite opposition by Shiite Muslim ministers.

Tufeili has been on the run since Friday, when Lebanese army troops in eastern Lebanon clashed with his supporters, killing 10 people, including three soldiers, and wounded some 50 others.

Military Prosecutor Nasri Lahoud on Wednesday issued formal arrest warrants for Tufeili and 22 of his followers on charges of "forming an armed group" and threatening national security.

Three cabinet ministers opposed the government's decision Thursday to refer Tufeili to the Judicial Council, all Shiites belonging to House Speaker Nabih Berri's parliamentary block.

Housing Minister Mahmoud Abou Hamdan, who did not vote for the decision, said he was "taken by surprise" and refused to vote. Rulings by the Judicial Council cannot be appealed.

Information Minister Bassem Sabaa, who announced Cabinet's decisions to reporters, said the government had unanimously decided to extend for six months the deployment of army troops in the eastern Bekaa to maintain peace.

The army troops have been deployed in the region since last August following riots and demonstrations by Tufeili's supporters to protest government neglect of their impoverished area.

Tufeili has been leading a "hunger revolt" since last July aimed at pressuring authorities to start implementing development projects in the area. He called on his followers to stop paying utility bills and taxes as a means to pressure the government.

In an effort to appease growing discontent with its economic policies, the government also allocated nearly LL 1,000 billion to develop projects in the Baalbek-Hermel region. Sabaa announced a one-month deadline during which the Council for Development and Reconstruction would study projects to be implemented in rural areas at a cost of LL 991 billion.

This amount includes LL150 billion which the government promised in last year in response to Tufeili's hunger revolt.

Previous Stories:
  Senior Shiite cleric urges development in eastern Lebanon   (2/5/1998)
  Security Troops Clash With Tufeili Supporters; Tufeili on the Run   (2/2/1998)
  Hizbullah expels maverick sheikh and previous leader   (1/26/1998)

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