Hezbollah extended its heartfelt condolences to the Al-Rifai family, the people of Akkar, Dar Al-Fatwa, and all respected muftis for the tragic loss of Sheikh Ahmed Shuaib Al-Rifai.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Hezbollah said it vehemently condemns the heinous crime and prays to Allah for mercy, patience, and solace for the bereaved family.
“Hezbollah acknowledges and lauds the Information Branch of the Internal Security Forces for its rapid and effective investigation in uncovering the crime to prevent further chaos and political manipulation,” the statement read.
Hezbollah further laments the unwarranted and baseless accusations levelled against it by political forces, politicians, clerics, media, journalists, and activists, without any evidence or justification. “These unjustified accusations, without any national responsibility or moral and human restraint, put the country’s unity, stability, and civil peace at risk.”
“Hezbollah condemns these unfounded positions and unethical behavior that contradict the principles of fairness, justice, and humanity,” the statement said.
Hezbollah urges the security and judicial services to take swift action against the instigators who spread false rumors, obstructed the security investigation, and promoted discord to undermine unity and stability.
“Hezbollah declares its firm right to sue the perpetrators before the competent courts to receive the punishment they deserve,” it went on to say.
The body of the Lebanese cleric was discovered on Saturday, a week after he went missing in Tripoli. Al-Rifai was a respected religious leader affiliated with Dar Al-Fatwa and served as the imam of a mosque in Al-Qarqaf, Akkar.
Following the discovery of Al-Rifai’s body, the Lebanese army dispatched forces to the area to ensure security and prevent any potential acts of retaliation. Local reports suggested that a suspect detained in connection with the case provided information on the location of the cleric’s remains.
Earlier in the investigation, security forces had located Al-Rifai’s four-wheel drive vehicle near Haykel Hospital at the entrance to Koura, south of Tripoli, four days after his disappearance.
Source: Al-Manar English Website
