The Heitla Municipal Council condemned in a statement the "attack on Mayor William Dughim that took place yesterday." They called on the Minister of Interior and Municipalities in the caretaker government, Bassam Mawlawi, to "follow up on the investigation related to the complaint submitted by Dughim after he was subjected to an assassination attempt by an individual known as (K, H)."
The council emphasized that "political interventions are being made to exonerate the perpetrator and dilute the investigation, while the assault is evident." They stressed that "we will not allow this matter to go unnoticed; mayors are not scapegoats, and the truth must be revealed with the strictest penalties imposed on the offender."
They questioned, "Do thugs now control the fate of the people, and have they become so brazen as to assault mayors without any deterrent? Where are the security forces in all of this?" It was asserted that there is clear evidence of collusion with the attacker, following the desires of a former MP. They demanded that Akkar Governor Imad Labaki intervene immediately, as he is responsible for municipal leaders, and also called on the Director General of General Security, Major General Imad Osman, to intervene and follow the investigation.
They warned that if no action is taken, they would be forced to reveal the evidence they possess, recorded through voice and video, which exposes the truth of what occurred and unveils not only the assailant but also those who protect him among investigators and officers, who purposefully altered data and evidence while ignoring witness testimonies.
They further inquired, "Does the National Moderation Bloc have a secretary who protects thugs and bullies? Are they aware that they are shielding them under this title, violating laws and assaulting people's dignity, which is not the first time they have acted to protect bullies?"
