Court Approves Request to Release Higher Relief Council Chief on Bail

The Beirut criminal court approved on Tuesday a request to release on bail former Higher Relief Council chief Ibrahim Bashir.

The court agreed to release him on bail of L.L. 1 billion.

The case has been referred to the financial general prosecution for its approval.

Bashir, his wife Rajaa, her brother Mohammed Younes, Ghassan Rizky, and Walid Baalbeki were charged in 2014 with embezzlement, smuggling and money laundering.

Local media reports have said they had embezzled around $10 million.

The defendants face up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

A session was set for April 27 to listen to the testimonies of two witnesses.

The HRC helps Lebanese citizens and communities hit by natural and man-made disasters.

M.T.

Y.R.