Former Lebanese Central Bank Governor Interrogated Over Alleged Financial Crimes
A Lebanese judge began interrogating the country’s former central bank governor, Riad Salameh, in Beirut on Monday, marking the first hearing since his detention last week on charges of financial crimes, including embezzlement of public funds. Salameh, who served as the central bank governor for three decades until July 2023, faces accusations of embezzlement, forgery, and illicit enrichment.
The judge is expected to determine whether Salameh will remain in custody or be released pending further investigation. This case represents a rare instance of accountability for a senior Lebanese official in a political system often criticized for protecting the elite from prosecution.
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Salameh, once celebrated as a financial expert, left office amid corruption allegations both in Lebanon and internationally, compounded by the devastating collapse of Lebanon’s financial system in 2019. While his media office has stated that he will not comment publicly on the case, they noted that Salameh has cooperated with over 20 criminal investigations in Beirut and Mount Lebanon and continues to cooperate following his detention.
Salameh has consistently denied the corruption charges against him. The outcome of this legal process could have significant implications for Lebanon’s efforts to address corruption and restore public trust in its financial institutions.
