Trial of Assir supporters adjourned until September 15 in Lebanon

The military court in Lebanon Tuesday adjourned until September 15 the trial of defendants accused of killing Lebanese soldiers near the southern city of Sidon in 2013.

The decision was made following the arrest of radical Sunni cleric Ahmed al Assir, a prime suspect in the case.

The prosecution has demanded to interrogate Assir.

Chief justice Khalil Ibrahim said Tuesday that Assir is the central figure who calls the shots in this case, adding that his detention will sure change the course of the trial.

New evidence will be revealed, Ibrahim expects.

Assir was detained while trying to flee to Nigeria via Cairo with a Palestinian forged passport, a valid Nigerian visa and a new appearance.

Assir had led an armed Salafi group that attacked the Lebanese army in the summer of 2013, which came to be known as Abra incidents

Clashes between the followers of Assir and the Lebanese army resulted in the death of 18 soldiers.

Assir was then able to escape together with former Lebanese pop singer Fadl Shaker.