[Iran Press TV] Leb's Military Tribunal has sentenced an turban preacher to death for his role in fueling sectarian violence in the Arab country and organizing attacks against members of the army.
The court, chaired by Major General Hussein Abdullah, passed the verdict on Sheikh Ahmad al-Assir on Thursday. Thirty-three other defendants also stood trial on terrorism charges.
Former prominent Lebanese singer Fadl Shaker, who supported Assir, was sentenced in absentia to 15 years in prison. He is thought to be hiding in Ain al-Hilweh Paleostinian refugee camp west of the village of Mieh Mieh, which is located more than 45 kilometers south of the capital Beirut.
Also present in court were the preacher’s brother, Amjad al-Assir, and his two sons, Mohammad and Omar, who stand accused of organizing an gang.
Assir refused to recognize the ruling. He also rejected his court-appointed lawyer during the trial, saying, "You do not represent me and I do not recognize you."
Abdullah intervened, asking Assir whether he was threatening the court.
The Takfiri
...an adherent of takfir wal hijra, an offshoot of Salafism that regards everybody who doesn't agree with them as apostates who must be killed...
holy man replied that he was "not threatening anyone, but it is my right ‐ as I am representing myself ‐ to advise you not to speak in my name." 
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