Beirut (Lebanon), SVM News, 7 February, 2007: Lebanese Christian leader Dr. Samir Geagea was attacked by the unidentified assailants on Tuesday night, the 6th of February.

Samir Geagea is the current leader of the Lebanese Forces. Lebanese internal security forces have thwarted an attempt by unidentified assailants to open fire on his residence. An LF statement said on Wednesday. It said that while Geagea was appearing on LBCI’s “Bi Koul Jour’a” talk show broadcast live from his Bzemmar residence Tuesday night, a vehicle approached the security dragnet and a gunman tried to open fire in the direction of the LF leader’s house.

Security forces immediately opened fire at the red ‘VW-Golf’ which sped away to an undisclosed destination. Statement added.

Geagea waves to the crowds during a rally, scoffed at Hezbollah claims of victory in its conflict with Israel and avowals that it wanted a strong state in Lebanon.

Samir Geagea was born in Ain el-Rummanah in Beirut on 25 October 1952. While studying medicine at the American University of Beirut, he became an active member of the right-wing Phalangist Party, which became the main Christian fighting force upon the outbreak of the Lebanese Civil War in 1975.

He was the imprisoned leader of the Lebanese Forces (LF) militia. Geagea served what were to be several life sentences for crimes allegedly committed during the Lebanese Civil War of 1975-1990.

The Lebanese Parliament passed legislation on 18 July 2005 to free Geagea. Only the Hezbollah deputies abstained from voting. His party, the Lebanese Forces, held major celebrations throughout Lebanon.

Speaking to a delegation from the Lebanese Parliament’s Human Rights Committee, which visited him in prison in November 2004, Geagea said, “I would prefer to remain in prison for another 20 years than bargain my beliefs for freedom.”

Geagea was released from prison 26 July 2005 and left Lebanon for medical tests. “I have spent 11 horrific years in solitary confinement in a 6-square-meter dungeon three floors underground without sunlight or fresh air. But I endured my hardships because I was merely living my convictions,” he was quoted saying upon his release. He returned on his birthday, the 25th of October, and currently lives in the cedars region in north Lebanon.

Meanwhile, in Southern Lebanon the rest home of the Beirut mayor, Abdel-Monem Aris lashed out at Hezbollah over the attack, “He who cannot control his supporters should not mobilize the streets and engage in scuffles,” he added. “What happened is a clear message to the citizens of Beirut and the example of coexistence they give to all the Lebanese.”

Aris then read from a note he said was left by those who burned down his business.

“To the agents of Israel, we warn you this land will not be cursed. To the followers of (MPs) Saad Hariri, Walid Jumblatt and (Lebanese Forces leader) Samir Geagea: We swear by the blood of the martyrs that if you step on this land one more time you won’t get out of it alive,” it read.

Salem Voice Ministries,

Devalokam (P.O), Kottayam,

Kerala-686038, India.