Saqr calls on Abu Ghida to follow up on Samaha’s case

State Commissioner to the Military Court Judge Saqr Saqr called on Military Investigative Judge Riad Abu Ghida Thursday to follow up on the investigations in Samaha’s case, with no special request pertaining to the alleged involvement of Major General Jamil Sayyed.       

Saqr is expected to issue a final verdict in Samaha’s case following the completion of investigations.

Former minister Michel Samaha was arrested on Thursday 9th of August by the Internal Security Forces’ Information Branch on suspicion of involvement in a plot to carry out terrorist attacks in Lebanon in collaboration with Syria.   

Recordings of a conversation which allegedly took place between Sayyed and Samaha whilst driving back from Syria with the explosive devices were found inside Samaha's car. These recordings act as a major component in the case of Sayyed's possible involvement.     

He was charged on Aug. 11 alongside Syrian National Security Bureau head Ali Mamlouk and a Syrian army officer identified as Brig. Gen. Adnan with plotting to assassinate political and religious figures in Lebanon and carry out terrorist attacks by the he government’s deputy commissioner at the Military Tribunal.      

The three men were accused of planning to incite sectarian clashes through terrorist attacks in North Lebanon during the Eid using explosives that Samaha allegedly transported to Lebanon and stored after taking possession of them from Mamlouk and Adnan.

In this context, legal attorney Malek Al Sayyed stated that "this procedure is normal and is in conformity with legal procedures."