Hezbollah armed parade sparks outrage from Lebanese government
This made arguments about the group's weapons and the state's power even stronger. The controversial display of force happened in the Zoqaq al-Blat district on Saturday during celebrations for Ashura. The event happened just a few hundred meters from the government offices.
Dozens of armed Hezbollah members were seen marching through the streets with assault weapons and chanting "At your service, Hezbollah" and other phrases in support of the group. Politicians criticized the show right away, but Hezbollah hasn't said anything in public yet.
The parade was strongly condemned by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, who said it was "completely unacceptable under any circumstances." In a post on the social network X, Salam said he had called the Ministers of Interior and Justice and asked them to start legal action and look into those who did it.
Ibrahim Mneimneh, an independent MP from Beirut, agreed with the others and called the parade an act of "thuggery and intimidation" meant to keep military power over Beirut without any checks. He said that these kinds of displays don't show a good understanding of the current situation in Lebanon and are "void of real value." He also asked the police and the courts to step in right away and arrest those responsible.
عناصر مسلّحة من حزب الله يظهرون علناً بسلاحهم خلال مسيرة عاشورائية في زقاق البلاط-بيروت.هذه المظاهر هي تحدّي للدولة، وعلى الأجهزة المعنية استدعاءهم ومحاكمتهم ومصادرة أسلحتهم. من يحمينا من هذا السلا ح؟؟
هذا السلاح لمن موجّه ؟ @grandserail @LBpresidency pic.twitter.com/3O0FlCYTiy
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Roya News
2 days ago
- Roya News
Hungary bans Irish rap group Kneecap over pro-Palestinian stance
Hungarian authorities have blocked the Irish rap group Kneecap from entering the country to perform at the Sziget Festival, accusing the Belfast-based trio of using antisemitic hate speech and publicly praising the Palestinian group Hamas, a government spokesperson announced on Thursday. Zoltán Kovács, spokesperson for the Hungarian government, confirmed the decision in a post on X. He stated, "The Government of Hungary moved to prevent the Kneecap band from entering the country and performing in Sziget... citing antisemitic hate speech and public praise for Hamas and Hezbollah." Kneecap, known for their Irish-language hip-hop and politically charged lyrics, has consistently expressed pro-Palestinian views during their performances. In recent months, the group has generated controversy at various venues. During their appearance at the Glastonbury Festival in the United Kingdom, for instance, band member Mo Chara reportedly accused "Israel" of committing war crimes. The ban comes as the Sziget Festival, one of Europe's largest music festivals, is underway in Budapest. Festival organizers have not yet released a statement regarding the Hungarian government's decision. Kneecap's representatives have not yet publicly responded to the Hungarian government's specific accusations regarding antisemitism or praise for Hamas and Hezbollah. However, the group has previously defended their pro-Palestinian stance as an act of solidarity, often drawing parallels between the Palestinian experience and Irish history.
Al Bawaba
3 days ago
- Al Bawaba
Israel launches a new wave of airstrikes on southern Lebanon
ALBAWABA- Israeli warplanes launched a new wave of air strikes on southern Lebanon, targeting several locations in a fresh escalation that further undermines the fragile ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah reached in November. Also Read Israeli strike kills 3 people in Lebanon The latest Israeli raids struck the areas of Mahmoudiya, Zaghrin, the outskirts of Sajd, Ansar, and Zarariya, with additional air strikes reported on the Reyhan Heights and the heights of the Tuffah region, according to circulating footage and local sources. These attacks mark a continuation of Israel's cross-border operations in violation of the ceasefire deal, intensifying concerns over a broader regional conflict. While Israel has not formally commented on the raids, the strikes come amid ongoing tensions and retaliatory exchanges along the Lebanon-Israel border. Meanwhile, on the domestic front, the Lebanese Army Command announced the arrest of three Lebanese citizens during a series of security operations carried out by the Intelligence Directorate. Also Read Thai airstrikes kill 12 Cambodians in escalating border clash The detainees were allegedly part of a terrorist cell affiliated with the Daesh (ISIS) organization. "Preliminary investigations revealed that the cell was planning to carry out attacks against the army under the direction of external Daesh leaders," the army statement read. It confirmed that follow-up efforts are ongoing to apprehend additional members linked to the group.
Roya News
4 days ago
- Roya News
Hungary bans pro-Palestine Irish rap group Kneecap from performing at festival
The Hungarian government has officially banned the Irish rap group Kneecap from performing at the upcoming Sziget Festival, citing accusations of "antisemitic hate speech and open praise for Hamas and Hezbollah". The decision, announced on July 24, 2025, bars the Belfast-based trio from entering Hungary for three years, with authorities stating their presence would pose a "serious threat to national security". Government spokesperson Zoltan Kovacs confirmed the ban, emphasizing Hungary's "zero-tolerance" policy toward antisemitism and its stance as a "strong ally of Israel within the EU". An official statement declared that "Hungary has no place for artists who spread hatred, glorify massacres or dishonor victims under the guise of free expression". The EU Combating Antisemitism Commission and the 'Israeli' Ambassador to Hungary have both praised the ban. Kneecap, known for their Irish nationalist messaging and pro-Palestinian stance, vehemently denies supporting terror groups, asserting they "condemn 'all attacks on civilians, always'". The band has described the allegations as a "smear campaign" aimed at silencing their political commentary on the conflict in Gaza. Frontman Mo Chara faces a terrorism-related charge in the UK for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag at a 2024 concert, an accusation he denies. The group has also faced controversy and cancellations following performances at Coachella and Glastonbury, where they accused 'Israel' of war crimes and genocide. Sziget Festival organizers expressed regret over the "unprecedented" ban, stating it was "unnecessary and regrettable". While condemning hate speech, the festival affirmed its commitment to artistic freedom, noting that "cancel culture and cultural boycotts are not the solution". They voiced concerns that the government's decision could damage both the festival's and Hungary's international reputation.
