LEBANON
11 soldiers, 6 civilians to be charged in riots
Updated: 02/03/08 6:57 AM
BEIRUT, Lebanon (AP) — A prosecutor issued arrest warrants Saturday for 11 soldiers and six civilians in connection with clashes between troops and Shiite Muslim protesters last weekend that left seven people dead, judicial officials said Saturday.
The worst rioting in the Lebanese capital in a year started when protests against electricity rationing degenerated into clashes with troops in mostly Shiite areas of the south Beirut suburb of Shiyah.
Military court magistrate Jean Fahd issued the arrest warrants after questioning 120 soldiers and 85 civilians, said the officials, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Those ordered arrested included five officers, the official said, adding that the civilians were suspected of taking part in the riots or carrying unlicensed weapons.
