Relatives of slain Sheikh urge action over leaked reports

Relatives of a slain Lebanese Sheikh urged authorities to act after alleged leaked documents said Syrian intelligence had a role in his death, the National News Agency reported. “We call on the Lebanese authorities to immediately take action after the leaked documents were published and issue arrest warrants against Syrian officials,” Sheikh Ahmad Abdel Wahed’s brother, Alaa, said in a press conference held in Akkar. Dubai-based Al Arabiya TV released what it said were leaked Syrian documents saying that Abdel Wahed and his companion Hussein Mereb were killed at Syria's behest. Abdel Wahed was traveling with Sheikh Hussein al-Mereb on May 20 when the two were halted before being shot dead at an Army checkpoint in the northern region of Kweikhat. Speaking on behalf of the family, the late Sheikh’s brother also called on President Michel Sleiman and Prime Minister Najib Mikati to hold an emergency Cabinet session and transfer the case to the Justice Council. “If the Cabinet does not do so, we will consider it a partner in crime,” Alaa told reporters. He also warned that the family will escalate action, working in coordination with the March 14 alliance, if the Cabinet does not respond to their demands. Attending the conference, Future Movement Politburo member Mohammad Al Mourad also urged authorities to take action in the case. “The Cabinet should be humble enough and convene to refer Abdul-Wahed’s case to the judicial council,” he said. He also voiced the support of the March 14 coalition for the Sheikh’s family. “The Future Movement and March 14 coalition have always considered this case as a top priority that should be followed up to reveal the circumstances behind the two Sheikhs’ killing,” said Mourad. The killing of Abdel Wahed and his companion earlier this year has sparked tensions between the residents of the North and the army. Tension reached its peak a few days after his death as northern residents blocked Akkar roads in protest at the release on bail of three Army officers and eight soldiers involved in the two Sheikhs killing. The Future Movement, which enjoys great support in Akkar, has also criticized the authorities for allowing the release of the military personnel suspected of involvement in the killing of Abdel Wahed and Mereb. From DailyStar