Trial of seven alleged collaborators postponed

The permanent military court under the presidency of Brig. Gen. Zeid Halawi on September 3 postponed until October 10 the trial of seven defendants suspected of collaborating with Israel and passing information to the enemy.

The decision came after defense lawyer Nassif Maalouf failed to attend due to the recent death of his brother.

Six of the defendants are under arrest, including former Sergeant Maroun Fayez Khawand, first adjutant Jirji Fayez Khawand, corporal Wissam Fayez Khawand, Elias Ibrahim Hallit, Tony Fouad Shamieh and inspector Tony Elias Abu Mussa. Only Jean Fadlo Saliba is still on the run.

The court decided to hear witnesses Dr. Philip Hadad, Dr. Elias Sayegh and Samir Hana.

The military court also decided to defer until October 3 the trial of seven other suspects charged with collaborating with Israel, entering the occupation zone without permission from the authorities and divulging secret information.

The suspects include Antoine Youssef Yunis, Tony Yammin Maroun Yaghi, Elias Hallit, Elias Khalil, Louis Mallat and the former head of the Guardians of the Cedars, Etienne Saqr. Only Saqr and Mallat are absent and are believed to be living inside the zone.

Mallouf's absence was cited as the reason for the delay.