LBCI

Samaha’s family to Rifi: The state commissioner does not have the right to appeal the verdict

14-05-2015 | 05:56

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Samaha’s family to Rifi: The state commissioner does not have the right to appeal the verdict

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The family of former Information Minister Michel Samaha responded to Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi in a statement, whereby they said that “the verdict issued against Samaha does not commensurate with the act of transfer of explosives due to the luring of the Internal Security Forces’ Information Branch.”

The family called on Rifi not to defame the judges and the judicial system, stressing that criticizing the verdict can only be done by appealing before the Court of Cassation.

In the same context, Samaha’s family said that, contrary to Rifi’s request, the state commissioner does not have the right to appeal, adding that this right is limited only to verdicts ruling innocence in accordance with article 75 of the Code of Military Justice.

On Wednesday, former Information Minister Michel Samaha was sentenced to four and a half years in prison, and stripped of all civil rights.

The verdict also stipulates that his years of detention would be counted from the day he was incarcerated, leaving him to serve the remaining 11 months in prison according to Samaha’s defense attorney.

The issuance of the Samaha’s verdict triggered a chain of reactions slamming the Military Court’s judgement. Justice Minister Rifi said that the outcome of Samaha’s case is “shameful,” stressing that he will not stand idly by while Lebanon's security is violated.

He stated that he will work by all means to amend the Code of Military Justice, adding that discussions are underway to refer Samaha’s case to the Judicial Council.

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