Ghosn defends judiciary against slander campaigns

Minister of Defense Fayez Ghosn categorically rebuffed any attempts to politically exploit the unfortunate Kweikhat incident to slander the army and the judiciary by claiming that Syria ordered the release of the officers involved.       

Sheikh Ahmad Abdul Wahed and his companion were killed at an army checkpoint in the town of Kweikhat in Akkar last May. Army officers were detained for investigation into the case and were later released on bail.         

"This rhetoric is completely unacceptable," said the Minister, "The Military judiciary is independent and political and military authorities do not intervene in it, nor does it take orders from domestic or foreign [sources]."       

Ghosn pointed out that the release of officers was not unprecedented; “it has happened before.”         

"We also emphasize that the LAF Command is keen on the security and safety of citizens, and its officers do not interfere in the work of the judiciary; the release of the officers was based solely on judicial proceedings."