Kataeb Party leader Samy Gemayel on Friday invoked provisions of Lebanon's Penal Code in response to recent comments made by Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem who warned the Lebanese government against moving to disarm the group and said there would be “no life” in Lebanon in that event.

In a post on X, Gemayel addressed Qassem directly, quoting three specific articles from the penal code that outline penalties for obstructing civil rights and for acts deemed terrorist in nature.

Under Article 329, Gemayel noted, “any act that prevents a Lebanese citizen from exercising their rights — such as freedom of movement — or civil duties is punishable by imprisonment from one month to one year if committed through threats, force, or any form of physical or moral coercion.” The article also provides for a penalty of six months to three years if the offense is committed by an armed group of three or more people, and two months to two years if committed without weapons.

Citing Article 314, Gemayel highlighted that “terrorist acts” are defined as any actions intended to cause a state of panic and carried out using means capable of creating public danger, such as explosive devices, flammable materials, toxic or destructive substances, or microbial and bacterial agents.

He also referenced Article 315, which stipulates that “any terrorist act” is punishable by no less than five years of temporary hard labor, with the sentence increased to life hard labor if the act results in partial destruction of a public building, industrial facility, ship, or other installations, or if it disrupts communication or transportation networks.