Jreissati Replies to Mashnouq over Ziad Itani Case
Justice Minister Salim Jreissati said on Saturday the “Lebanese people shall make apologizes to no one,” following remarks made by the interior minister asking Lebanese to apologize for “false” spy accusations made against Lebanese comedian Ziad Itani.
“The Lebanese shall make apologies to no one. It is not appropriate for any official to present electoral credentials by asking for such an apology. The declaration of innocence or conviction is the sole responsibility of the judiciary, which pronounces its verdicts alone,” Jreissati said in a tweet.
On Friday, Interior Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq declared Itani, detained on allegations of spying for Israel, “innocent” and said the Lebanese are to apologize.
“All Lebanese apologize to Ziad Itani. Innocence is not enough. Pride in him and his patriotism is the only firm truth,” Mashnouq tweeted.
TV networks reported that the ISF Intelligence Branch is interrogating Lt. Col. Suzanne al-Hajj over “fabricating the case against Ziad Itani.”
Itani was arrested in November 2017 on charges of collaborating with Israel and gathering information on political figures.
Source: Naharnet
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