Independence Movement leader Michel Moawad condemned Tuesday the arrest of political activist Michel Douaihy, describing his detention as an attempt to crackdown on freedom of speech.

Douaihy was arrested 9 days ago and indicted to three years in jail for criticizing the General Security apparatus in a Facebook post.

“The arrest of Michel Douaihy by the General Security apparatus over a Facebook post and his indictment to three years in jail by the judiciary reminds us of the days when the judiciary under former chief Public Prosecutor Adnan Addoum used to crackdown on freedom of expression,” Moawad said in a news conference.

“I regret that 10 years after the withdrawal of the Syrian army from Lebanon and the collapse of the so-called Syrian-Lebanese security regime, i still have to hold a news conference to defend freedom of expression,” Moawad added.

Moawad stressed that the Independence Movement will stand firm against any attempts to reinstate the old regime in a bid to crack down on freedom of speech.

“Regardless of whether we agree with Douaihy’s comments or not, the fact is that he has been detained for 9 days and indicted to three years in jail only for expressing his opinion on Facebook,” Mouawad said.

Moawad accused the General Security of fabricating evidence and passing it to the judiciary to indict Douaihy on false charges.

“Unfortunately, the director general of General Security signed the notice and referred it to the prosecutor general. Worst of all, the notice is based on article 317 which touches on offenses such as inciting civil strife,” Moawad said, criticizing the the indictment of Douaihy within a two-day period.

“This was the fastest indictment in the history of the Lebanese judiciary system,” Moawad said.

Moawad condemned Douaihy’s arrest, weighing his case against that of ex-minister Michel Samaha who was sentenced to four years in prison after he was found guilty of transporting explosives from Syria into Lebanon with the aim of targeting religious leaderships and civilian gatherings.

“Is it possible that Douaihy’s is indicted to three year in jail for a Facebook post while Samaha who was seeking to fuel sectarian strife is sentenced to four years in prison?”Moawad asked.

Moawad vowed to take all necessary measures to help release Douaihy, who, according to the Independence Movement leader, was facing unjust charges.

“The Lebanese people have paid in blood and tears for their freedom, and it is something we will not bargain for,” Moawad said.

Moawad urged General Security Chief Abbas Ibrahim to reconsider the case while praising both Interior Minister Nouhad Mashnouq and Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi for expressing solidarity with Douaihy and vowing to take necessary measures to enforce justice.