French Judiciary Summons Brother of Lebanese Central Bank Governor and His Assistant

Two informed sources revealed to "Reuters" on Monday that the French judiciary has summoned the brother of Lebanon's central bank governor, Riad Salameh, and his assistant as it continues its investigation into allegations of embezzlement and money laundering against Salameh. A source close to "Reuters" stated that France has set a hearing date in Paris for Raja on May 31 and for Al-Houiak on June 13. A Lebanese judicial source confirmed that the Lebanese judiciary has received the summons and is working to deliver them. Two government sources indicated that a consultative meeting among ministers is taking place on Monday to discuss how the charges against Salameh may impact the Lebanese state and the legal options that might be available to remove him. Raja, Riad, and Al-Houiak have already faced charges in two separate cases in Lebanon related to embezzlement and other financial crimes. Last week, France issued a warrant for Salameh (72 years old) after he failed to attend his hearing in Paris. Subsequently, Interpol issued a red notice.