In the wake of ongoing investigations and prosecutions targeting Mr. Riad Salameh, the Governor of the Banque du Liban (Central Bank), for alleged offenses including money laundering, association with criminal organizations, and tax evasion, a recent development has intensified the gravity of the situation. Lebanon has received an arrest warrant through the International Police Organization, Interpol, at the request of the French judiciary. Given the mounting accusations and the serious nature of the crimes for which Mr. Riad Salameh stands accused, it has become unacceptable for him to retain his position as the head of governance, endowed with significant authority that encompasses the safeguarding of the national currency and the financial system in Lebanon.
In accordance with the fundamental principle of warding off any suspicions and fostering the values of transparency and accountability, Transparency International - Lebanon urges Mr. Riad Salameh to submit his voluntary resignation, despite his denial of the allegations and invocation of the presumption of innocence, for the person entrusted with the governance of the Banque du Liban should be “like Caesar’s wife, above all suspicion”. Should Mr. Salameh refuse to comply with this call, Transparency International - Lebanon implores the Lebanese Council of Ministers to exercise its authority and dismiss him from his position as the Governor of the Banque du Liban, as well as any affiliated legal entities, in accordance with the provisions stipulated in Articles 19 and 20 of the Monetary and Credit Law. Additionally, the Lebanese judiciary is urged to recognize and address its profound responsibilities in light of the pervasive and extensive corruption across various sectors of the state. It is imperative for the judiciary to reaffirm its role and duties by actively pursuing ongoing local prosecutions, ensuring the due application of the law and the attainment of justice.
