Mokhtara turned into big fortress

BEIRUT - Alternative Staff

January/February 2006

The personal security of Chouf MP Walid Jumblatt has become a grave concern for him and many Lebanese.

In light of this concern, Jumblatt has restricted his movement to his native village Mokhtara, the seat of the leadership of the Jumblatt family.

Visitors to Mokhtara have reported that the village has been turned into one big fortress with sandbags visible around all corners and volunteers of the Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) erecting several checkpoints at the different entries to the village.

Another measure for the protection of Jumblatt has been the unusual flooding of masses into his residence. In the past, a good number of people used to make trips to Mokhtara during the weekend, more often than not to ask Jumblatt one favor or another.

With the present situation, these masses of people are maintaining their presence in the village afraid that Jumblatt’s security might be outnumbered at any given day, thus jeopardizing his personal safety and security.