“ A Beirut military court sentenced another 31 Lebanese on Thursday to sentences of up to 15 years in prison for "collaborating" with “Israel” during its 22-year occupation of the southern part of the country.

The verdicts bring to 900 the number of Lebanese sentenced since the court began mass trials of 2,200 people June 5.

Eight Lebanese were sentenced in absentia Thursday to 15 years in prison each, while the 23 others received sentences ranging from several weeks to three years behind bars.

The court, which had been holding three marathon sessions a week, plans to hold sessions on Wednesdays only until September 30 as other Lebanese courts observe a summer recess.

“Israel” pulled the last of its troops out of south Lebanon on May 24.

AFP, 20-7-2000