Force will be used to shut down Islamic TV and other radio stations

Tripoli's General Security department is expected today to order unlicensed broadcast media in the north of Lebanon to shut down within 24 hours, or risk closure by force, judicial sources in the city claimed on August 12.

Two unlicensed television and eight unlicensed radio stations are still operating in the area despite the cabinet's decision last month ordering them to shut down, the sources added.

Hillal TV and Haq radio station, run by the Islamic Tawheed movement are among the maverick stations.

The Tawheed's leader Sheikh Said Shabaan, was until August 12 still rejecting the cabinet's order to cease broadcasting, the sources said.

However, they added that his assistant Sheikh Abu Bilal Kanj, met with Brig. Fawzi Roumih, head of the General Security department in Tripoli, and promised to discuss the issue with Shabaan.

Al Faiha TV, a commercial television station, is still on the air, while Sat TV, which is also commercial and has merged with the Beirut-based national Broadcast Network (NBN), closed down on August 10 night after throwing a farewell party for all of its workers.

At least 18 unlicensed radio stations in the north have closed since the decision.