Lebanon's Riad Salameh Detention Extended Amid Corruption Probe

Riad Salameh, the former governor of Lebanon's central bank, will remain in detention as investigations into serious corruption charges continue. The investigative judge has accused him of embezzling over $40 million from the Central Bank, particularly through shady transactions with brokerage firm Optimum Invest. Salameh faces multiple charges, including forgery and illicit enrichment, and has been linked to the financial collapse of Lebanon in 2019 that led to widespread economic hardship. Protests erupted outside the justice ministry as Salameh was transported, with demonstrators labeling him a 'thief.' His case represents a significant moment in Lebanese history, as it marks a rare instance of a high-ranking official facing legal accountability in a country known for protecting its elite. A hearing has been scheduled for Thursday to continue the investigation.