Lebanon’s Cabinet Thursday declared that the case of the Christian couple murdered by fugitives from the Jaafar clan in eastern Lebanon last year would be referred to the Judicial Council.
The move signifies that the November killings of Nadimeh and Sobhi Fakhri in the eastern village of Btedaai was considered a crime against national security.
Members of the Jaafar clan who were being chased by Lebanese security forces entered the Fakhri family home in mid-November demanding to use their car as a getaway vehicle.
The family refused, so the fugitives shot the couple and one of their sons. The woman died immediately, while the husband succumbed to his wounds later. Their son, Romeo, survived.
The Jaafar clan has apologized for the killings, which threatened to ignite sectarian tensions in the region. But the family has refused to hand over the shooters.
One member of the clan suspected of involvement in the murders was shot dead by the Army last month. Other suspects remain at large.
The Cabinet decision was announced after the end of its weekly meeting Thursday by Information Minister Ramzi Joreige.
Joreige also announced that the Cabinet approved a donation to the Defense Ministry, a tourism-related agreement with Tunisia and the renewal of an EU-funded garbage collection project for municipalities.
The Cabinet also agreed to return land to the southern town of Bint Jbeil’s municipality, after it was handed to the Education Ministry to build a public school.
Other minor decisions included approving funds for the continuation of a project to rehabilitate the road between Kfar Roummane and Marjayoun in south Lebanon, and requesting a budget plan from the Public Works Ministry.
Joreige said the ministers had not discussed the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen that was launched Thursday and dominated international headlines.
“We only discussed the preset agenda in the session, and we have full confidence in the prime minister, who will take the necessary stand towards this dangerous issue,” he said.
He added that Prime Minister Tammam Salam would participate in the Arab League summit during the weekend, where he will announce Lebanon’s position on the Yemen crisis.
