Sheikh Ahmed Al-Rifai, a vocal critic of Hezbollah and Iran, disappeared in broad daylight over a week ago on his way to Tripoli, Lebanon.
He has not been heard from ever since and despite his vocal criticism of Hezbollah, his wife says he had never received any threats and has been able to commute freely without any issues before.
Friday night, security forces found Sheikh Ahmad Rifai’s SUV near Koura’s Haikal Hospital. The investigation into the circumstances of Al-Rifai’s disappearance is ongoing.
Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea expressed his outrage over the kidnapping of Sheikh Ahmed Al-Rifai. Geagea took to Twitter, stating that it is “completely unacceptable” that nobody has any information about Al-Rifai’s whereabouts.
He urged all security services to intensify their efforts to find Al-Rifai, return him safely to his family, and impose the harshest penalties on the kidnappers.
In response to the situation, residents of Qarqaf village took action a few days ago, cutting off the Muhammarah – Akkar road in both directions and demanding information on Al-Rifai’s fate.
Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati met with the Mufti of Akkar Sheikh Zaid Bakkar Zakaria to discuss the disappearance of Sheikh Ahmed Al-Rifai, the Imam of Al-Qarqaf town mosque.
Mikati assured the Mufti that he is in constant communication with the security services to uncover the circumstances of the case and secure the safe return of Sheikh Al-Rifai.
In 2021, vocal Hezbollah critic Lokman Slim went missing a night prior to being found shot multiple times in the head. Lokman received countless death threats for years prior to being found dead.
