Lebanon bids farewell today, Friday, to Pascal Suleiman, the coordinator of the Lebanese Forces in Jbeil, who was kidnapped last Sunday. The Lebanese Army managed to recover his body from Syria, although investigations have only revealed that he was abducted for theft, according to security accounts. Today, Friday, is expected to be very long, as it comes just one day before the anniversary of the Civil War; this political assassination nearly ignited a crisis in Lebanon, were it not for the stabilization of the situation.
The following is the schedule for Pascal's funeral today, which will stop at several locations after his body previously traveled between the coordinations of the Lebanese Forces:
- **10:00 AM**: Condolences at the St. George Church in Jbeil
- **12:30 PM**: Arrival of the body
- **1:00 PM**: Begin burial rites
- **2:00 PM**: Political speeches
- **2:45 PM**: Transfer of the body to its final resting place in Mifouk, accompanied by comrades and supporters of the Lebanese Forces, along with family and relatives, passing through several stations starting from "Amchit Square," then "the gathering point at the Dahar shop intersection." The third stop will be in the town of "Obeidat," while the fourth will be at "Haqal," passing through Al-Kharbeh and the intersection of Lohfad - Jaj, finally reaching "Mifouk."
The Martyrs’ Office of the Lebanese Forces will hand over the party flag and the "Martyr’s Medal" to the family of the martyr.
Since early morning, residents of Ashrafiyeh have gathered in Sassine Square to head to the church for Pascal Suleiman's funeral services.
The town of Mifouk has completed its preparations to receive the remains of its son Pascal Suleiman, who will return today wrapped in the Lebanese and party flags. Large images of Suleiman have been raised, with various slogans written underneath, and party banners have been displayed, especially at the Forces center in the town.
Moreover, the entire region is enveloped in mourning, with its residents converging to participate in the funeral prayer and express their rejection and condemnation of what Suleiman endured. The municipality of Amchit stated in a press release: "Since the funeral procession of martyr Pascal Suleiman will stop at the Lebanese Army Square in Amchit while proceeding to its final resting place in his hometown Mifouk, all businesses, institutions, offices, cafés, bakeries, and so forth located between the southern entrance of Amchit and the northern border of the town are requested to close their doors on Friday, April 12, 2024, starting from 2:30 PM, in respect for the passage of the martyr's body."
