Judge Zaani closes investigations in the Roumieh prison break case, 16 arrestees

Judge Zaani closed investigations in the Roumieh prison break case and referred the file to Judge Saqr Saqr to organize legal claims against 16 security members arrestees.

During the day, investigations were conducted to reveal the prison break circumstance with the supervision of Judge Saqr and the direct follow up of Judge Zaani.

Zaani interrogated the prison’s doctor Haytham Dhaybi about fake signatures and the medical files of the 3 runaway inmates.

The doctor had previously registered the 3 prisoners as patients and gave them medical prescriptions while they have already fled.

The investigations revealed as well that one of the two arrested officers have signed telegrams after the escape of the prisoners, reporting that arrestee Falah was surrendered to an army intelligence patrol and was later returned to his cell.

In this context, the Army Command - Guidance Directorate issued a statement in which it denied all claims alluding its involvement in the case. 

Earlier, Interior Minister Marwan Charbel declared on Monday that the new courtroom in Roumieh prison aims to expedite trials and reduce disturbances inside the prison.              

During the inauguration ceremony of the new courtroom, Charbel said that “the escape of three detainees served as greasy content for the media; however,the real scandal lies within the security apparatuses, where members are suspected for involvement in the case."               

Charbel stressed that he will no longer listen to politicians, adding that “he will not accept the escape of any prisoner and will not have mercy on anyone”. Charbel noted that the system adopted in inspection operations and the security measures at the prison will subsequently change.                   

For his part, Justice Minister Shakib Qortbawi pointed that the interrogation of Islamists or other detainees is obligatory before first public hearing which would be convened imminently, stressing that the situation at Roumieh prison will not remain the same.