Spying device discovered in south Lebanon
Photo: AP
Lebanon: Sheikh arrested on suspicion of spying for Israel
Beirut's Military Intelligence detain Tyre-based Shiite religious leader for alleged espionage
Lebanese military intelligence has detained a Shiite sheikh in southern Lebanon on
suspicion of spying for Israel, a security source said on Tuesday.
He ran an organisation called the Arab-Islamic Resistance which he said had 1,500 fighters, the security source said. The sheikh also claimed responsibility for launching rockets towards Israel two years ago, the source said.
The sheikh, who was known to be critical of Shiite guerrilla group Hezbollah and its regional backers, Syria and Iran, was arrested in the southern port city of Tyre on Monday.
Spying Dentist
Security forces accuse 55-year-old Farouk Shukheir of spying for Israel, claim suspect admits to working with Israeli elements since 2004
The arrest was the first high-profile detention in recent months. Lebanon launched a wave of arrests in April 2009 as part of espionage investigation in which dozens have been arrested on suspicion of spying for Israel. A high-ranking army officer, a Christian party member and telecom firm employees were among those detained over the last year.
President Michel Suleiman has called for severe punishment for the spies and said if he receives a death sentence verdict he would sign it. Seven people have received a death sentence in the last few months.
Israel has not commented on any of the arrests.
Security officials say the arrests have severely weakened Israel's spying networks in Lebanon.
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