Mashnouq Throws Support behind Othman after Corruption Report

Caretaker Interior Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq on Thursday threw his support behind Internal Security Forces chief Maj. Gen. Imad Othman after a report in al-Akhbar newspaper accused him of preventing the judiciary from interrogating officers accused of receiving bribes from fugitives.

“Maj. Gen. Imad Othman is above any suspicion and under the law,” Mashnouq tweeted.

“He will remain to be the pillar of the ISF, the spirit of this institution and its strong heart.

“I salute him and express all respect for his position and all support for this institution in the face of campaigns wherever they come from,” the minister added.

Arab Tawhid Party chief ex-minister Wiam Wahhab cited al-Akhbar's report to wage a fresh attack on Othman, with whom he has been at loggerheads since the deadly Jahliyeh raid.

“From now on, we hope no one will lecture us about combating corruption if Imad Othman does not land in jail. What has been mentioned in al-Akhbar newspaper can topple an entire state and its guardians. Mr. President, the state is at stake, so let this criminal be jailed,” Wahhab said, addressing President Michel Aoun.