REPORT: The fate of al-Assir and Abra investigations

In this regard, Judge Saqr was also handed the preliminary investigation reports, noting that he will look into them and take a decision as soon as possible.        

Judge Saqr, who is supervising the initial investigation carried out by the military intelligence into the clashes between supporters of Sheikh Ahmed al-Assir and the LAF in Abra, ordered on Monday the release of nine people who were arrested at the end of the battles while 30 suspects remain in custody.       

Fighting in Sidon city began Sunday (23 June) after troops arrested a follower of hardline Sunni cleric Sheikh Ahmad al-Assir follower.         

The army says the cleric's supporters opened fire without provocation on an army checkpoint. Official reports said at least 17 soldiers were killed and 50 were wounded in the fighting while more than 20 of al-Assir's supporters died in the battle, according to a security official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to talk to reporters.        

Sheikh al-Assir is a virulent critic of the powerful Shiite group Hezbollah group, which along with its allies dominates Lebanon's government. He supports rebels fighting to oust Syria's President Bashar Assad.


To watch the full LBCI report, please click on the video above.