AFP Photographer Beaten in Clash between Asir Supporters, Passersby
Members of the Internal Security Forces beat an Agence France Presse photographer on Thursday while he covered a clash that erupted during a sit-in organized by Salafist cleric Sheikh Ahmed al-Asir on Sidon’s seaside road.
"When the protesters cut off Sidon's main road, a skirmish broke out between those participating in the sit-in and passers-by," said the photographer, Mahmoud Zayat.
"The security forces intervened in the skirmish," he said.
"I started to take photos, and they kicked me and beat me with their rifle butts. They also confiscated my camera, but I got it back later."
Al-Jadeed television said Asir's supporters “attacked several cars on Sidon's seaside road.”
Following the incident, a security official told AFP "there will be an investigation into this. Those responsible for it will be held accountable."
The sit-in was staged in support of President Michel Suleiman's complaint to Syria over violations of Lebanese territory and to denounce claims from Damascus about alleged shooting into Syria from Lebanon, arms smuggling and infiltrations.
13 years
Exactly, Hezbollah is the root of the problem. Tackling other issues wouldn't treat the problem.
13 years
el Manar TV and el JADEED tow big layers TV after the ALDOUNIA TV.
the pictures show you that the Security was controling the case not el ASIR guys. so stop laying and give a bad picture to those perfect guys.
13 years
Good for them. What's your point?
13 years
l3ama ma ajla2ak ya zalame
We need a strong army to beat the hezbollahi terrorists first. This would end the state of impunity, and 'fools' -as you call them- would think twice before blocking roads again.