Maronite Patriarch Bechara Al-Rahi on Tuesday expressed indignation over what happened in Mansourieh earlier during the day, denouncing the use of force on the residents who are simply objecting to project that they consider as harmful and hazardous to their health and that of their children.

"The Patriarch considers what happened as something that goes against our Lebanese traditions and democratic norms," read a statement issued by the Maronite Patriarchate.

Residents of Mansourieh and neighboring Metn villages were subject to excessive use of force by the police as they were protesting the forcible installation of high-voltage power lines in the area.

The patriarch called on the competent authorities, notably the Energy Ministry, to seek a common ground with the residents and to respect their justified concerns.

Al-Rahi also stressed the need for a solution that complies with international public safety standards, adding that the project must not be imposed by force.

"A roundtable is needed to discuss the matter in an objective, calm, scientific and technical way," the statement concluded.