By Xinhua
Beijing : The Lebanese Army on Saturday arrested 17 people over killing of seven protestors in Beirut a week ago, the official National News Agency reported.
Those detained included three officers, two non-commissioned officers, six soldiers and six civilians, said the report.
The military police ordered the arrests in light of the riots that took place on Sunday in the southern suburb of Beirut, a statement released by the military prosecutor’s office was quoted as saying.
The Sunday bloody riots, which left seven people dead and about30 others injured, occurred after angry protestors began burning tires and blocking some major roads.
The protests against electricity rationing quickly degenerated into street violence and the army deployed to prevent the unrest from spreading into other areas.
Lebanon is currently facing the most serious political deadlock since the end of the 1975-1990 civil war. For the first time in its history, the presidential seat has been vacant since Nov. 24 of 2007 when former President Emile Lahoud stepped down.
A long-awaited parliamentary session to elect a new president to succeed Lahoud has been postponed for the 13th time from Jan. 21 to Feb. 11.
The presidency deadlock deepened the Lebanese political crisis as fears are mounting that failure in reaching a deal on the presidential candidate could result in more violence in the country.