Former Al Qaeda Member Released

Former Al Qaeda member, Sheikh Nabil Rahim, was released in Lebanon after more than three years detention on charges of belonging to the terrorist organization.

His release has increased the number of men associated with terror organizations cases to have been released in Lebanon. Over a 100 men have been released in the last three years. The Military court accepted Al-Rahim’s appeal and released him.

Nabil Al-Rahim said,"Yes, I was charged by the military court to be sent to prison for seven years; but the military court reversed the ruling and released me after three and a half years of detention”

Rahim’s release, however, does not close the file on the detainees accused of belonging to armed organizations. There are still around 230 other detainees in prison on various charges; some of whom have been sentenced while others are awaiting trial.

Ahmad Al-Ayyoubi, a Specialized in Islamic groups said, “We hope that the release of Rahim will be the beginning of this file’s closure, on judicial basis and not on political settlements; Those who were sentenced have had their punishment.”

The cases of the detainees arrested for their affiliation to terrorist organizations is being investigated and will be dealt with in accordance to Lebanese legal provisions and the judicial process.

Speakers: Nabil Al-Rahim, a former Al Gaeda
Ahmad Al-Ayyoubi, a Specialized in Islamic groups

Original Report: Adnan Gamloush, Al Arabiya Lebanon

Adaptation: Sarah Sfeir

Voices:

Aqeel Bukhamsin
Mourad Kricha