Independence Movement leader Michel Moawad met Wednesday with political activist Michel Douaihy who was released following nine days in detention after criticizing the General Security apparatus in a Facebook post.

Douaihy who was accompanied by his family thanked Moawad for his support during a visit to his residence in Zgharta.

“I thank all those who expressed solidarity with me namely Independence Movement leader Michel Moawad. I also thank Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi, Interior Minister Nouhad Mashnouq and Jude Marcel Bassil who ordered my release.

Moawad said Douaihy’s release represented a victory for freedom of expression in Lebanon, stressing that the Independence Movement will stand firm against all attempts to curb civil liberties in Lebanon.

“This battle is a battle for freedom. While we support the Lebanese judiciary and security forces particularly under the current circumstances, we will not tolerate any attempts to crack down on personal freedom,” Moawad said.

Moawad stressed that the Independence Movement will stand firm against any attempts to reinstate the so-called Syrian-Lebanese security regime in Lebanon.

Moawad praised both Interior Minister Nouhad Mashnouq and Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi for expressing solidarity with Douaihy and taking the necessary measures to speed up his release.