Preliminary interrogation conducted with Samaha, arrest warrant issued against him

Military Investigative Judge Riyadh Abu Ghida conducted a preliminary interrogation with former Minister Michel Samaha and issued an arrest warrant against him, and will continue the interrogation on Monday.         

The Lebanese deputy commissioner of the Military Tribunal, Judge Sami Sader had indicted Samaha, Syrian Army General Ali Mamlouk and another Syrian Army General for forming an association to commit crimes on the Lebanese territory and undermining the authority of the state by planning explosions and assassinations against political and religious figures. Sader referred Samaha’s case to the Military Investigative Judge.          

Earlier in the day, the Information Division’s report on Samaha's case was concluded and referred to Acting Prosecutor General Judge Samir Hammoud.             

In turn, Hammoud submitted the report to the Military General Prosecution while Samaha was transferred to the Military Court.             

Separately, defense Attorney for former Minister Michel Samaha, Malek Assayed, expressed his indignation Saturday at leaks of secret investigations to the press, which jeopardized the entire case.           

Malek Assayed asserted in front of the military court that he had all the information concerning who leaked the information and called upon Justice Minister to take prompt action.          

"Regardless of whether the disclosed information was true or not, this violates the innocence approach...and issues a death verdict against a person who has not yet had the chance to defend himself."      

Samaha was arrested on Thursday over involvement in explosion plots in several Lebanese regions.