Lebanon won’t disarm Hezbollah, but will attack a 'generator owner'

The events in Saqiet al-Janzir Square on Saturday have exposed a troubling double standard within Lebanon's security apparatus. While Prime Minister Nawaf Salam rightly condemned the "unacceptable actions" of security forces firing shots and terrorizing civilians during an operation against a private generator owner, the incident underscores a deeper, more systemic issue.

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in terms of violence by members of one of the security agencies against civilians, the firing of shots and terrorizing of citizens, are unacceptable actions, whatever the reasons or pretexts

This publication, like many Lebanese citizens, observes that the same security forces that readily employ heavy-handed tactics against ordinary citizens, particularly in Sunni or Christian areas not linked to Hezbollah, appear hesitant to confront the powerful Shiite militia. The operation, described as "controversial" by local media, targeted a generator owner in a Sunni-majority area, leading to clashes and public outrage. The use of force, including gunfire, was deemed disproportionate to the alleged violation, prompting calls for adherence to legal and administrative frameworks rather than aggressive raids.

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no one is above the law, but the raid that took place, and the intensity and gunfire that accompanied it to intimidate the residents, do not match the nature of the alleged violation related to 'generator pricing.'

While the Prime Minister has ordered investigations and disciplinary measures, the underlying message is clear: the state's capacity and willingness to enforce the law selectively remain a significant concern. The incident has reignited debate about the state's authority versus the influence of non-state actors, a perennial challenge in Lebanon. The contrast between the forceful response to a generator owner and the perceived leniency towards Hezbollah's arms is a narrative that resonates deeply within Lebanon, often discussed with frustration and a sense of powerlessness.

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a violent clash in Beirut’s Saqiet al-Janzir, a Sunni majority area, on Saturday triggered public outrage and a wave of protests across the capital, following a controversial security operation targeting a private generator owner.