Former Minister Michel Samaha, whose plots to transport explosives and attack Lebanese figureheads were caught on tape, was released on bail Thursday afternoon.

The Military Court’s unanimous decision to release Samaha in exchange for L.L. 150 million caused popular outrage in Lebanon. March 14 coalition’s student unions called on the Lebanese to join them for a protest outside his home in Ashrafieh at 7 pm on Friday.

Head of the National Liberal Party's student organization Simon Dergham told MTV Website that the main goal behind the protest is to send a message to the Syrian regime, its allies and the military court that March 14 will not remain idle before such a repulsive decision.

Dergham addressed Samaha saying “you are not welcome in Lebanon and the people should be spared your crimes.”

Lebanese Forces student organization head Jad Damien noted that the thought of staging a protest came organically to all those who still believe in a better Lebanon, adding that any court’s duty is to fulfill justice, not issue a decision to release a criminal like Samaha.

“We will demand the retrial of Samaha as well as the sanctioning of all those behind this cruel and offensive decision, given its effect on Lebanon’s dignity and that of its fallen martyrs,” Damien said.

The Lebanese Kataeb party’s student organization, headed by Ralph Sahyoun, will also be taking part in the sit-in.

Sahyoun told MTV Website that all exceptional courts must be dismantled, adding that the decision to release Samaha who has only served three and a half years in jail is shameful.

“We all recall the 6-month-sentence handed to the killer of Lebanese Army First Lieutenant Samer Hanna,” he said, adding that the Military Court must be brought down due to the clear political influence on its judgments.

As for his part, head of the PSP student organization Saleh Hadifi noted that the protest scheduled this evening is symbolic, adding that such decisions will not be ignored and criminals will not be treated like national heroes.

“This dossier has brought shame to the judicial system in Lebanon as well as the state,” he said, noting that the issue with Samaha isn’t personal but his crimes are too cruel to ignore.

Adapted from an article originally written in Arabic by Serge Mghames