BEIRUT, Lebanon - Relatives of imprisoned Sunni Islamic militants in Lebanon have staged a protest in the capital Beirut demanding the release of their kin.

Around 200 protesters were shouting Islamic slogans and waved black flags and banners near the parliament, which was in session.

One banner in Tuesday's demonstrations lamented that "sons of the Sunni faith are behind prison bars," with legislative elections set for next year.

The protesters included the wives of prisoners implicated in militant attacks. The women have been rallying for their husbands' release for weeks.

Lebanon holds in custody about 300 suspects on terrorism-related charges, including members of al-Qaida-inspired Fatah Islam group which fought the army last year. -AP