By Nohad Topalian | 2025-06-25

BEIRUT -- A moderate cleric was violently beaten in broad daylight in a Hizbullah stronghold June 10, in an attack opposition figures say is part of an escalating campaign of intimidation against independent voices in Lebanon.

Sheikh Yasser Aoudeh was assaulted in the southern Beirut neighborhood of Haret Hreik by Bashoura mayor Mohammad Kamel Shahrour, Janoubia reported.

The incident occurred as Aoudeh rode a motorcycle in the vicinity of the office of prominent cleric Sayyed Mohammad Hussein Fadlallah, with a member of Fadlallah's office.

Shahrour repeatedly punched and slapped the cleric, threatening to "spill your blood on the ground" if he continued to criticize Hizbullah on television, according to an eyewitness account.

Aoudeh fell to the ground after repeated blows, unable to speak.

Hizbullah opponents said the assault was clearly intended as a warning to independent voices, and noted the party's failure to condemn it.

The incident follows a pattern of escalating intimidation, political activist and Asasmedia.com managing editor Mohammad Barakat told Al-Fassel.

"The attack on Aoudeh was horrific and brutal," he said. "The attack was not a personal message to him but rather a political assault on him because of his positions that are critical of Hizbullah."

Dwindling political support

Barakat attributed recent threats and attacks to recent municipal election results that warned Hizbullah its support base is slipping from its control.

The party failed to secure endorsements in dozens of villages and towns, with non-party candidates defeating its electoral lists by wide margins, he said.

"Hizbullah seeks to silence the voices of dissent," Barakat said, warning that the party's opponents may face "a new round of attacks, which may reach the level of assassinations of prominent and independent opponents."

Despite the intimidation, many prominent figures have vowed to continue to speak out against the Iran-backed party.

The attack on Aoudeh underscores Hizbullah's threat that "any voice of dissent will cost you your life," Independent Southerners Front general coordinator Mohammad Shuaib told Al-Fassel.

Shuaib filed a lawsuit against Hizbullah in December after his property in the southern town of Toul was burglarized and his daughter was detained in Nabatieh for participating in a survey about next year's parliamentary election.

"When it was at the height of its power and strength, we spoke the truth to its oppressive face. So, what about today as Hizbullah is at its weakest morally, not to mention security and military weakness?" he asked.

"We aspire to protect the Shia community from Hizbullah's continued exploitation and terrorization," he added.

"The difference between us and them is that their morals are beholden to the Iranian regime, while ours are beholden to patriotism."