The banking crisis has taken a new direction as the Association of Banks announced that "as a result of the intensive communications conducted by the association with the relevant parties and because the risks still loom over bank employees and their customers present in the branches, amidst the ongoing incitement climate behind these risks and threats, the banks will forcibly keep their doors closed for the time being, especially in light of the absence of any measures or even reassurances from the state and all security authorities to ensure a safe working environment." This came after the Minister of Interior and Municipalities in the caretaker government, Bassam Mawlawi, firmly denied in a conversation with "An-Nahar" that "the ministry or the security apparatuses requested the banks to continue the strike or advised them to do so." He clarified that it is up to "the banks to protect their institutions, employees, depositors, and their rights, while the state must protect public order in the country, not private institutions against other citizens." Mawlawi urged banks to open their doors, enhance their protection measures, prevent crowding among those inside, and take responsibility. He affirmed that he is not in favor of bank strikes or employee strikes because this would "deepen the crisis, increase confusion, and multiply pressure on citizens."
In the judicial course of this crisis, a decision was issued yesterday by the investigating judge in Beirut, Judge Charbel Abou Samra, regarding the case of the "Blom Bank" - Sudikou branch invasion, to release the detainees Abd Rahman Zakaria and Mohammad Rustam on financial bail while imposing a travel ban for six months. Abd Rahman Zakaria remained detained and was referred to the military court due to previous arrest warrants against him. Several activists, along with the families and friends of the detainees Mohammad Rustam and Abd Rahman Zakaria, protested in front of the Palace of Justice in Beirut, demanding their release. The decision to release them, which was issued by the first investigating judge for a financial bail of five million Lebanese pounds each, did not end the protest due to Zakaria’s referral to the military court for an absent arrest warrant issued against him. There were tensions and an attempt by activists to approach the entrance of the Palace of Justice, but security forces prevented them. There was also an exchange of words between activists and the representative of "Lebanon and the Middle East Bank" upon the latter's entrance into the Palace of Justice. In the afternoon, the detainees were released after the bail payments were made.
In another judicial development, the Higher Judicial Council decided against appointing an additional investigating judge in the Port Explosion case, having met two days ago to discuss this issue without reaching a conclusion due to differing opinions. According to information from judicial sources, there was a disagreement regarding the selection of the alternate judge, which led to the session being adjourned by the President of the Higher Judicial Council, Judge Souhail Abdou. The sources add that "the resolution of this matter requires the signature on the judicial formations by the ministers of justice and finance, the prime minister, and the president, or, should this decree not be signed as required, the general assembly of the Court of Cassation can be formed as quickly as possible from the original and appointed chamber heads."
