BEIRUT: A group of prominent Lebanese politicians on Wednesday filed a criminal lawsuit against Hezbollah chief Sheikh Naim Qassem, accusing him of inciting war and sedition.
The plaintiffs include current and former MPs as well as senior political figures in the country.
The suit is the first of its kind to target a member of Hezbollah’s senior leadership. It cites inflammatory speeches by Qassem, the party’s secretary-general, and accuses him of “inciting war, sedition and the overthrow of constitutional authority.”
MP Ashraf Rifi told Arab News that the lawsuit, which was accepted by the court, targets “anyone the investigation reveals to be a perpetrator, accomplice or instigator.”
He added: “We are aware that Sheikh Qassem’s address is unknown, making it difficult to serve him the legal notice. While the lawsuit may not deter him from continuing his actions, we assert that he has violated the constitution, and the complaints will continue as long as Hezbollah continues to do so.”
