A judge has ordered the release of four generals that were being held in connection with the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in 2005. Belgian judge Daniel Fransen ordered the men to be freed Wednesday after it was determined that the evidence being used to hold them was insufficient.
The four generals had been in custody since 2005.
Celebratory fireworks and loud speeches could be heard in the streets of Beirut after the announcement.
The move comes with less than six weeks to go before the June parliamentary elections. The race is expected to be incredibly tight and it is unclear how the news will effect the results.
The release of the generals could be seen as a boost for the March 8 coalition if it is perceived by voters as referendum on Syria’s involvement in Hariri’s murder. Any reduction in the public’s perception of Syria’s involvement could make it easier for politicians that had previously been reluctant to support pro-Syrian factions to now feel more comfortable about it.
Many believe the election results will hinge on undecided Christian voters:
Observers have long said the June vote would come down to Christian majority districts, and Wednesday’s ruling provides a perfect opening for the March 8 coalition’s top Christian leader, Free Patriotic Movement head MP Michel Aoun, to defend his partnership with Hizbullah and push his anti-corruption agenda, said retired General Elias Hanna, who teaches political science at Notre Dame University.
Hizballah MP Hassan Fadlallah praised the move and took the opportunity to slam the government saying, “this is a happy day for Lebanon and a day of mourning for the judiciary’s credibility in the country.”
Rafik Hariri’s son, MP Saad Hariri, came out in support of the decision, offering to respect whatever conclusion the tribunal reaches.
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