Minkara Kept in Custody amid Arrest Warrants against al-Gharib and Houri over Tripoli Blasts

The First Military Examining Magistrate called on Monday for the release of the head of the pro-Syria Islamic Tawhid Movement-Command Council but he issued arrest warrants against two other suspects in connection with twin bombings in the northern city of Tripoli.

Judge Riyad Abu Ghida ordered the release of Sheikh Hashem Minkara after questioning him, and referred back his file to State Commissioner to the Military Court Judge Saqr Saqr.

The sheikh had been accused by the military prosecution of withholding information from the authorities. But Saqr ruled against Abu Ghida's judgment and kept him in custody pending the ruling of the Military Court of Cassation.

Also Monday, Abu Ghida ordered the arrest of Sheikh Ahmed al-Gharib and informer Mustafa Houri following their interrogation.

Saqr on Friday charged the three men for forming an armed gang and undermining the authority of the state.

They were also charged with forming a terrorist network and planting explosives and booby-trapped cars.

Forty-five people were killed and at least 800 wounded in the Tripoli bombings that targeted two Sunni mosques as worshipers were performing weekly prayers.

Saqr also charged Syrian Khodr al-Arban and a Syrian Captain identified as Mohammed Ali with killing people and moving explosive-laden cars.