According to Lebanese media reports, a confrontation broke out Saturday in Fanar’s Ras el-Rouissat area in north Beirut between a municipal police officer and two individuals from the Shia neighborhood of el-Rouissat over a parking dispute.
A local witness, identified as M. Hanna, told This is Beirut that the two men assaulted the officer after he informed them that they could not park in front of the church, prompting the parish priest of Saint Joseph, Fanar, Father Rabih Thoume, to intervene in an attempt to de-escalate the situation. However, the situation quickly spiraled, and the priest himself was allegedly subjected to physical assault and verbal abuse, forcing him to seek refuge inside the church.
Lebanese outlets further reported that the individuals followed the priest into the church and issued death threats, in what was described as a serious violation of the sanctity of a place of worship. Several congregants were also reportedly attacked, and the priest was prevented from completing the service.
The witness added that the individuals were arrested by the Information Branch of the Internal Security Forces, and that an army unit has since been stationed in front of the church.
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