Former Central Bank (BDL) Governor Riad Salameh was released on Friday evening. He was discharged from Bhannes Hospital after completing all legal formalities, with his legal representative, lawyer Mark Habka, overseeing the release under tight security supervision.
Habka pointed out that “Salameh's release marks a new chapter in his trial,” adding, “We hope that Salameh will be tried in accordance with the law.”
Salameh’s release followed payment of $14 million and 5 billion Lebanese pounds in bail, as imposed by the Beirut Criminal Court. He had been detained for nearly 13 months on charges including embezzlement of public funds, money laundering. The Beirut Indictment Chamber, presided over by Judge Kamal Nassar, had reduced his bail from $20 million to $14 million.
Salameh was arrested on September 3, 2024, following several hours of questioning by Public Prosecutor Jamal al-Hajjar at the Judicial Palace in Beirut regarding allegations of embezzlement and illicit financial dealings during his tenure at the Central Bank.
Former Governor of the Banque du Liban (BDL) Riad Salameh is expected to be released on Friday after posting bail totaling $14 million and LBP 5 billion, to be paid through his lawyer, Mark Habka.
He will be discharged from Bhanes Hospital once all legal formalities have been completed.
His release follows a decision by the Beirut Indictment Chamber, presided over by Judge Kamal Nassar, to reduce Salameh’s bail from $20 million to $14 million.
Salameh was arrested on September 3, 2024, following several hours of questioning by Public Prosecutor Jamal al-Hajjar at the Judicial Palace in Beirut regarding allegations of embezzlement and illicit financial dealings during his tenure at the Central Bank.
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