2023-05-23 02:44:12
The French judiciary summoned the assistance of the Governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon, Marianne Howayek, and his brother Raja, while he continues his investigation into allegations of embezzlement and money laundering once morest Riad Salameh.
Salama, his assistant Marian Al-Hweik, and his brother Raja, are facing investigations in Lebanon, France, and other countries, for allegedly embezzling hundreds of millions of funds from the Central Bank.
The brothers deny any wrongdoing.
A close source said in an interview with Archyde.com that France has set a hearing in Paris for Raja on May 31 and Al-Huwaik on June 13. A Lebanese judicial source confirmed to Archyde.com that the Lebanese judiciary had received the summons and was working to hand them over.
France last week issued an arrest warrant for Salameh, 72, following he refused to attend his hearing in Paris. The International Police Service (Interpol) later issued a Red Notice.
Lebanese fear
- Caretaker Minister of Justice Henry Khoury told Al-Jadeed TV that he fears that more foreign countries will follow the example of France and direct their accusations once morest Salameh, which may have “repercussions” on the country’s financial situation. Lebanon has already been suffering from a deteriorating financial situation since 2019.
- “That is why the ruler must realize this matter and resign on his own,” Khoury added.
- Thus, Khoury added his voice to the voices of the deputy prime minister in the caretaker government and the interior minister, who said last week that Salameh should step down.
- Two government sources told Archyde.com that the cabinet met on Monday followingnoon to discuss how the charges once morest Salame would affect the Lebanese state and what legal options it might have to remove him.
Two government sources said in separate statements that the meeting did not produce any tangible results. A statement issued following the meeting said the cabinet would support any measure decided by the judiciary.
Raja, Riyad and Al-Hawik have already been charged in two separate cases in Lebanon related to embezzlement and other financial crimes, but neither has been detained.
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