First, and below, Ms. Emma Graham from CNBC informs us in 0.48 minutes of the alleged financial crimes charges against Mr. Riad Salameh, former Central Bank Governor of the “Banque du Liban” for over three decades.
Second, if you wish, you can listen to “Ya Natrin“, a brief yet highly powerful piece of a famous Lebanese patriotic song from the times of civil war, which goes likes this: “Revolt for once, revolt” (title). You who were waiting, what are you waiting for? What do you expect from those who stole the sunshine and sold the wind, along with their conscience? From those who stole the country and built houses larger than its squares? You who were waiting, what are you waiting for? Revolt for once. Stand up in those squares and tell them: You have stolen, you have killed, yes you have assassinated the people, the country, and the dream…. And you turned this land into a refuge for the Pharisees (or self-righteous)”.
Third, and as a reminder, the people of Lebanon have been prevented from accessing their savings in their own bank accounts since October 17, 2019. Can you imagine the degree of their chronic stress and the impact of this financial tragedy on their daily lives for almost five years?
Of note, following the historic financial crash in the country, the population went on the streets for several months to express its anger and despair. Alarmingly, as reported in several older archived posts on this blog, there have been many heartbreaking cases of suicide whereas a few depositors resorted to force to demand their own money.
Last but not least, today more than ever, one may wonder whether the Lebanese depositors will ever hold their own funds in their hands or is their money lost forever? Regardless, what is next following this significant legal step involving Mr. Salameh? Will names of other individuals, perhaps among his colleagues or maybe former and current politicians, be revealed during the investigation?
Most importantly, is this truly the beginning of the end of impunity, at least for financial if not political crimes, in the charming yet systemically corrupt Land of the Cedars? If so, this would offer a MUCH needed ray of hope for a re-invented Lebanon of tomorrow where its people will finally be dignified and treated with respect, civility, and fairness.
