Lebanon cracks down on 'spies'
Photo: AFP
Lebanese indicted for spying on Hezbollah
Military prosecutor demands life in prison for first man to be indicted in case of Israeli spy ring
A Lebanese military prosecutor on Wednesday formally charged and demanded life in prison for a car dealer who allegedly passed information about Hezbollah to Israel.
Lebanese authorities have made dozens of arrests in recent months and filed preliminary charges but this has been the first formal indictment since a crackdown began earlier this year against those accused of collaborating with Israel.
Crackdown in Lebanon
Security source in Beirut says army colonel suspected of collaborating with Israel escaped to Jewish state last week. Two other colonels detained in espionage probe that has led to more than 50 arrests
The suspect, a car dealer from the southern market town of Nabatiyeh, was accused of providing information about Hezbollah and Lebanese army positions, as well as entering Israel and meeting with intelligence officials, said Prosecutor Rashid Mizher.
The case became public in the spring when media reported the suspect was involved in an operation to fit cars he later sold to Hezbollah members with sophisticated electronic devices that provided the Israelis with information about militants' whereabouts and movements.
Lebanese security officials confirmed he was picked up by Hezbollah in January and handed over to Lebanese authorities in February.
Mizher said he initially recommended the death penalty for the suspect but reduced it to life in prison because he was not involved in attacks against any Lebanese. Mizher's formal indictment is the last legal step before the case goes to court. No date for the trial has been set.
