BEIRUT: A Christian Lebanese politician Samir Geagea has been charged by the military court over last October’s clashes in Beirut, local media reported. However, “The charge against him, as well as the investigation into the violence, had political motives,” Lebanese Forces (LF) official said.

Local media reported that Judge Fadi Akiki charged Geagea two days ago, based on new information relating to the Tayouneh events.

Director of Carnegie Middle East Center, Mohanad Hage Ali said, any attempt to arrest Geagea would likely be resisted by his party, creating the potential for trouble just two months before the parliamentary election.

Last October, military intelligence summoned Geagea for hearing over the violence, however, he did not attend.

The October 14 violence began when Hezbollah called to demonstrate against the judge who is investigating the 2020 Beirut port explosion. At least six people have been killed and dozens of others wounded when gunfire erupted as Hezbollah supporters gathered to protest.

Hezbollah accused the LF of killing people to try to drag the country into a civil war.

Geagea is a strong Hezbollah critic with close ties to Saudi Arabia.

According to Geagea, the disturbance began when Shia party supporters approached the Christian neighborhood of Ain al-Remmaneh and destroyed cars, injured four individuals before being fired.