Lebanon's Parliament votes to refer three former Telecommunications Ministers to investigative committee
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LBCI
8 hours ago
- LBCI
‘Where is the state?': Fear grips Maameltein amid rising crime
Report by Lara El Hachem, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian It's a situation any girl or woman walking along the coastal road in Maameltein might face. Simply passing through this notorious street can expose her to harassment — a growing burden on local residents and families living in the area. According to residents and local municipalities, criminal networks have turned what was once a tourist strip into a hotspot for illicit activity, including prostitution, drug trafficking and the spread of illegal weapons. Inside an abandoned hotel, illegal activities are reportedly taking place, confirmed by local community leaders who say municipal authorities alone are unable to raid the premises. Around the area, groups of women involved in sex work can be seen along the road day and night — a trade that thrives alongside drug sales. Just weeks ago, the municipality caught a drug dealer using cocaine along the stretch of the road that falls under Jounieh's jurisdiction. But that's not all. If you're simply passing through Maameltein, you could be struck by a bullet fired in a moment of rage by someone intoxicated or armed and outside the law — like individuals captured in a video, filmed early Sunday morning. The stabbing of two locals, George and Liliane, has added to this grim reality. In response, a group called the Guards of Ghadir has called for a protest this coming Wednesday. One of the core problems is that the Ghazir municipality lacks sufficient police personnel. It is currently relying on local volunteers to secure night patrols, while the Keserwan Ftouh Federation is working to establish a new security committee. But even when municipalities notify security forces about illegal activity, arrests are often not made — either due to overcrowded detention centers or, if a suspect is detained, they are quickly released. This pattern suggests that these gangs enjoy both political and security protection. As for Maameltein and its residents, it is the state's duty to provide them with safety and peace of mind.
LBCI
16 hours ago
- LBCI
Iran executes two members of opposition group for attacking infrastructure
Iran executed two members of the banned Mujahideen-e-Khalq group for attacking civilian infrastructure with homemade projectiles, the judiciary news outlet Mizan said on Sunday, amid criticism from Amnesty International over a "grossly unfair" trial. Mehdi Hassani and Behrouz Ehsani-Eslamloo, identified as "operational elements" of the MEK, were sentenced to death in September 2024 - a verdict upheld by the Supreme Court, which denied their request for a retrial, Mizan said. "The terrorists, in coordination with MEK leaders, had ... built launchers and hand-held mortars in line with the group's goals, fired projectiles heedlessly at citizens, homes, service and administrative facilities, educational and charity centres," the report said. Maryam Rajavi, who leads the National Council of Resistance of Iran, of which the MEK is the main force, paid tribute to the pair. "Honour to these steadfast Mojahedin who, after three years of unwavering resistance under torture, pressure, and threats, fulfilled their solemn pledge to God and the people with pride and dignity." The defendants were indicted with "moharebeh" - an Islamic term meaning waging war against God - destroying public property, and "membership in a terrorist organisation with the aim of disrupting national security." Amnesty International said that Ehsani-Eslamloo and Hassani were arrested in 2022 and maintained their innocence during a trial, which the rights group called "grossly unfair and marred by allegations of torture and forced confessions.' "According to informed sources, agents interrogated them without lawyers present and subjected them to torture and other ill-treatment, including beatings and prolonged solitary confinement, to extract self-incriminating statements," it said in January. Reuters
LBCI
16 hours ago
- LBCI
Erdogan hails Macron for decision to recognise Palestinian state
Turkey's president on Sunday welcomed a move by his French counterpart to recognise Palestinian statehood, in a phone call between the two leaders, the Turkish presidency said. "During a telephone conversation, President (Recep Tayyip) Erdogan congratulated French President (Emmanuel) Macron on his decision to recognise Palestine as a state," it said in a statement. AFP
