Lebanese authorities ordered the release of former economy minister Amin Salam on $100,000 bail after months in detention on charges of forgery, embezzlement and misuse of public funds. He remains under a six-month travel ban as the probe continues, and judicial officials said he is expected to be freed shortly after paying bail. Local reports allege the case involves extortion of private insurers and misuse of committee funds; Salam denies the accusations. The matter will be heard at the Beirut Criminal Court once prosecutors finish their work.
Former Lebanese Economy Minister Amin Salam Freed On $100,000 Bail Amid Probe
FILE - Lebanese caretaker Minister of Economy and Trade Amin Salam speaks during a news conference in Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, May 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein, file)
Beirut (AP) — Former Lebanese economy minister Amin Salam has been ordered released on $100,000 bail after months in custody on allegations of financial crimes, judicial officials said Tuesday.
Salam, who was detained in June, remains subject to a six-month travel ban while investigators continue their probe. Four judicial officials — who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with procedural rules — said he paid the bail and was expected to be freed within hours.
Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported the court order and the bail amount but provided no further details. Prosecutors have charged Salam with forgery, embezzlement and misuse of public funds.
Local media reports linked the accusations to an alleged scheme involving extortion of private insurance companies and the improper use of funds overseen by a committee that supervises those insurers. Salam has denied the charges.
Salam served as economy minister for more than three years after his 2021 appointment, a period marked by a deep economic collapse in Lebanon that included severe power outages, fuel shortages and sharp food inflation. Authorities have said they are pursuing reforms to stabilize an economy long afflicted by profiteering and systemic corruption.
Next steps: The case will be referred to the Beirut Criminal Court and will proceed to trial when prosecutors complete their investigation and the court process allows.
