Latest news with #GhassanHasbani


The National
a day ago
- Politics
- The National
Lebanese PM orders arrests of armed men who took part in Ashura commemoration
Lebanon 's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Saturday ordered the arrest of armed men who took part in a religious gathering in Beirut. Videos circulated online showed hundreds of people gathered in the Lebanese capital to mark Ashura, the commemoration by Shiite Muslims of the death of the Prophet Mohammed's grandson, Imam Hussein bin Ali, in the 7th century. Men dressed in black and carrying automatic weapons are seen leading chants of the Imam's name and carrying red banners that said "Ya Hussein". They are suspected to be supporters of Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Shiite armed group and political party. 'I have contacted the Ministers of Interior and Justice and requested them to take all necessary measures to enforce the applicable laws, arrest the perpetrators, and refer them for investigation,' Mr Salam said on X. The Prime Minister said 'armed demonstrations in Beirut are unacceptable under any pretext, shape or form". Member of Parliament Ghassan Hasbani, a former deputy prime minister, said the government had to take a firm stance against the show of weapons in the capital, especially during demonstrations. Security officials must enforce laws, confiscate weapons, and arrest those carrying them, Mr Hasbani said in a television interview on Friday evening. Ashura commemorations in Beirut are usually held in its southern suburbs, the area known as Dahieh that is home to many Shiite Muslims and where Hezbollah enjoys strong support. The gatherings draw large crowds and are seen as a demonstration by Hezbollah of its strong following. Another member of Parliament, Ibrahim Mneimneh, said holding weapons in areas across in Beirut is "unjustifiable". "We call on the judiciary and security authorities to act immediately and arrest everyone that appeared in the online videos and refer them to investigation," he said on X. "Beirut, today more than ever is in dire need of enforcing security and the removal of weapons outside the state control," he said. The Ashura commemorations this year come as Hezbollah is under pressure to disarm as the government seeks to remove weapons from all non-state actors. The group's top political and military leadership was killed and a large part of its arsenal destroyed during more than a year of war with Israel that ended with a ceasefire agreement in November. Under the terms of the US-brokered truce, all armed groups in Lebanon must disarm.

LBCI
12-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
MP Hasbani to LBCI: Christians, Muslims are responsible for preserving equal representation in Beirut
MP Ghassan Hasbani stated that the previous dysfunction in the administration of the Beirut Municipality stemmed from the lack of a clear structural framework, which led to inefficiencies in municipal operations. In an interview with LBCI, Hasbani emphasized the need to reorganize governance mechanisms, arguing that addressing the current structural flaws would significantly improve the capital's municipal performance. "If the current elections secure the required parity, it will positively impact discussions on restructuring Beirut's governance laws," he said. Hasbani also stressed that both Christians and Muslims are responsible for preserving the principle of equal representation in the Beirut municipal elections.


National News
24-04-2025
- Politics
- National News
Parliament begins discussing draft law related to Beirut Municipality
NNA – The Lebanese Parliament approved the draft law aiming to amend the provisions of Articles 1, 2 and 12 of the Labor Law dated September 23, 1946 (flexible work). Parliament began discussing the urgent draft law, which aims to amend some municipal provisions and texts related to the Beirut Municipality, submitted by MPs Ghassan Hasbani, Nicolas Sehnaoui, Nadim Gemayel, Fouad Makhzoumi, Faisal Sayegh, and Hagop Terzian.

LBCI
07-02-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
MP Ghassan Hasbani to LBCI: More Hezbollah involvement leads to lower chances of reconstruction efforts
MP Ghassan Hasbani emphasized that Lebanon serves as a vital outlet for Arab countries and must handle its relations carefully to restore strong ties with the region. Speaking to LBCI, Hasbani stated that the government could initiate forensic auditing within its first year in office and begin implementing reforms in the customs sector. He highlighted the presence of capable Shiite figures who could participate in the upcoming government. However, Hasbani warned that the more Hezbollah is involved in the political process, the lower the chances of securing support for reconstruction efforts.