The recent tragic death of Pascal Sleiman, a Lebanese Christian political official, has left the nation in mourning. Thousands gathered to pay their respects and honor his memory in Byblos, Lebanon. Authorities have reported that Sleiman was killed by a Syrian gang in a carjacking incident, sparking outrage and suspicion among his supporters.
Sleiman was a coordinator for the Lebanese Forces (LF) Christian party in the Byblos area, known for its opposition to the Syrian government and its ally, Hezbollah. The LF has declared Sleiman’s death as a “political assassination until proven otherwise,” pointing fingers at Hezbollah for their alleged involvement. However, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has denied any connection to the incident.
LF leader Samir Geagea, speaking at Sleiman’s funeral, called for a change in Lebanon’s current leadership, blaming the authorities’ failure on “illegal weapons,” a reference to Hezbollah’s armed presence in the country. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, is the only party in Lebanon that retained its weapons arsenal after the civil war and continues to wield significant influence in Lebanese politics.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has further escalated tensions in the region, with Hezbollah engaging in cross-border skirmishes with Israeli forces. Geagea emphasized the need to avoid being dragged into a prolonged conflict, urging for a peaceful resolution to the escalating violence.
Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai presided over Sleiman’s funeral, visibly moved by the tragic loss. Mourners gathered outside the church, expressing skepticism towards the official account of Sleiman’s death. Many believe that Hezbollah’s involvement or complicity in allowing the Syrian gang to operate in Lebanon cannot be ruled out.
Lebanon has a dark history of political assassinations, often carried out with impunity. The country’s weakened judiciary, plagued by political interference and a deteriorating economy, has struggled to hold perpetrators accountable. LF lawmaker Ziad Hawat called for a thorough and transparent investigation into Sleiman’s murder, expressing concerns based on past experiences of justice being compromised.
Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi has pledged to crack down on Syrians suspected of involvement in Sleiman’s killing, promising to take decisive action against those responsible. The Lebanese people are demanding justice for Sleiman and calling for an end to the culture of impunity that has allowed such crimes to go unpunished.
As Lebanon grapples with political turmoil and external threats, the need for unity and accountability has never been more critical. The tragic loss of Pascal Sleiman serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the nation and the urgent need for reform and justice. It is time for Lebanon to come together, stand against violence and corruption, and strive for a better future for all its citizens.