Threats target Lebanese anti-Syria figures

Several prominent Lebanese politicians and media figures opposed to Syria’s regime and its ally Hezbollah have been threatened, according to the official National News Agency (NNA). 

The agency said Sethrida Geagea, a Christian member of parliament, March 14 member and wife of Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea, had a series of threats sent to her mobile phone.

The threats were also sent to former interior minister Ahmad Fatfat, outspoken TV presenter Nadim Koteich and assassination attempt survivor and journalist May Chidiac, NNA said.

They are all seen as high-profile opponents of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime and its powerful ally, Hezbollah.

Reports have also emerged that Sunni politician Khaled Daher, a fierce critic of the Damascus regime, has also received threats against his life.

The threats were reported to the security forces, whom Geagea’s office said should “take the necessary measures” to identify the callers.

The report comes less than a fortnight after a car bombing in central Beirut killed eight people including anti-Syria former finance minister and member of the March 14 coalition Mohammad Chatah.

Chatah’s death on December 27 was the latest in a string of nine high-profile assassinations of Syria critics that began in February 2005 with former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri’s murder.

Syria dominated Lebanon for nearly 30 years until the international outcry over Hariri’s killing forced Assad’s troops out.

However, Damascus still exerts influence over Lebanon through its allies.