Many Lebanese celebrated Riad Salameh’s arrest six months ago, but with the expiration of his pre-trial detention period approaching, he is expected to be released due to significant flaws in the case.

Salameh was initially arrested on charges of money laundering and embezzlement in connection with $8 billion in transactions conducted between the Lebanese Central Bank (BDL) and a Lebanese financial firm, Optimum, in 2015-2016.

However, the investigation has focused solely on $42 million that Salameh allegedly transferred to two other plaintiffs, and no attempts have been made to expand the scope of the inquiry. This is just one of several flaws in the case that could allow Salameh to evade justice. According to a recent article, “the reason for not deciding on Salameh’s release, or justifying the continuation of his detention after six months, is that the case is no longer in the hands of the investigating judge and has been transferred to the Court of Cassation.” If this is true, his release may be delayed further, though it seems inevitable.

In addition, reports indicate that his health has seriously worsened over the past six months. Judge Al-Hajjar “ordered Salameh’s transfer to Hotel Dieu Hospital for the necessary tests and imaging scans requested by doctors, and he remains under medical observation.”

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