New political movement gives voters an alternative
'Hayyabina' aims to put an end to sectarianism

By Raed El Rafei , Special to The Daily Star

BEIRUT: A new political movement announced here Monday is aiming to offer voters an original alternative when casting their ballots during parliamentary elections slated for later this month. For voters who wish to make a statement this election, instead of abstaining from voting or submitting a blank ballot they will now be able to cast a ballot detailing a political program rather than a list of candidates.

Behind the initiative is Hayyabina, a small group of independent individuals rallied under the slogan "Let's go for a secular republic."

During a press conference held Monday at Zico House in central Beirut, the members of Hayyabina expressed their belief in the right of all citizens to participate in the public arena outside the boundaries imposed by current political parties.

Tent protesters await release of Geagea
'He is getting out, there is no doubt about it'

By Rym Ghazal , Daily Star staff

BEIRUT: Although the Lebanese government has yet to vote on the parole bill for the jailed former Lebanese Forces commander Samir Geagea, to his supporters protesting at Martyrs' Square, Geagea has already been pardoned and is coming home.

"He is getting out, there is no doubt about it," said 17-year-old George Espire, sitting in one of the blue tents erected at Martyrs' Square. In recent months, the site has been renamed "Freedom Square" as it has become "the place" for voicing discontent with the government and staging sit-in protests.

Only seven tents remain from what used to be a dense and lively "village of tents" of more than 30 shelters representing various opposition groups.

Lebanon