logo
MP George Bouchikian denies fleeing Lebanon ahead of immunity lift request

MP George Bouchikian denies fleeing Lebanon ahead of immunity lift request

LBCI6 days ago
Lebanese MP George Bouchikian on Monday denied media reports suggesting he left the country to avoid legal prosecution, saying his recent departure was a long-planned personal trip and that no legal action had been initiated against him at the time.
In a statement issued from abroad, Bouchikian said he left Lebanon on July 7 for a family trip that had been arranged months in advance.
'At the time of my departure, no decision had been issued to pursue legal action against me, nor was there any formal request to lift my parliamentary immunity,' he said. 'The General Security's travel records clearly confirm my departure date and the purpose behind it.'
The request to lift Bouchikian's immunity, submitted by Lebanon's public prosecutor, was dated July 9—two days after he had already left the country. 'This completely discredits claims that I left to evade accountability,' he added.
Bouchikian reaffirmed his willingness to cooperate with judicial authorities. 'I am fully prepared to respond to any competent legal body, in the appropriate place and time, in full respect of the constitutional process and transparency,' he said.
The MP also noted that his legal team took immediate action upon being notified of the request to lift his immunity.
Formal submissions were filed to the Speaker of Parliament, the Parliament Bureau, and the Administration and Justice Committee.
'A detailed legal memorandum was also submitted, laying out factual, legal, and constitutional arguments in response to the request,' he said, adding that the document is now in the hands of lawmakers ahead of the parliamentary session scheduled for July 23.
Bouchikian expressed confidence in Parliament's ability to handle the case fairly.
'I trust that MPs will address this matter objectively and without influence from media pressure or populist narratives,' he said.
'No one is above accountability, and no one should be denied legal protection,' he concluded. 'Justice cannot be achieved through double standards.'
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Iran executes two members of opposition group for attacking infrastructure
Iran executes two members of opposition group for attacking infrastructure

LBCI

time6 hours ago

  • LBCI

Iran executes two members of opposition group for attacking infrastructure

Iran executed two members of the banned Mujahideen-e-Khalq group for attacking civilian infrastructure with homemade projectiles, the judiciary news outlet Mizan said on Sunday, amid criticism from Amnesty International over a "grossly unfair" trial. Mehdi Hassani and Behrouz Ehsani-Eslamloo, identified as "operational elements" of the MEK, were sentenced to death in September 2024 - a verdict upheld by the Supreme Court, which denied their request for a retrial, Mizan said. "The terrorists, in coordination with MEK leaders, had ... built launchers and hand-held mortars in line with the group's goals, fired projectiles heedlessly at citizens, homes, service and administrative facilities, educational and charity centres," the report said. Maryam Rajavi, who leads the National Council of Resistance of Iran, of which the MEK is the main force, paid tribute to the pair. "Honour to these steadfast Mojahedin who, after three years of unwavering resistance under torture, pressure, and threats, fulfilled their solemn pledge to God and the people with pride and dignity." The defendants were indicted with "moharebeh" - an Islamic term meaning waging war against God - destroying public property, and "membership in a terrorist organisation with the aim of disrupting national security." Amnesty International said that Ehsani-Eslamloo and Hassani were arrested in 2022 and maintained their innocence during a trial, which the rights group called "grossly unfair and marred by allegations of torture and forced confessions.' "According to informed sources, agents interrogated them without lawyers present and subjected them to torture and other ill-treatment, including beatings and prolonged solitary confinement, to extract self-incriminating statements," it said in January. Reuters

US envoy says Lebanese leaders must turn words into action on Hezbollah arms
US envoy says Lebanese leaders must turn words into action on Hezbollah arms

LBCI

time6 hours ago

  • LBCI

US envoy says Lebanese leaders must turn words into action on Hezbollah arms

The credibility of Lebanon's government 'rests on its ability to match principle with practice,' U.S. envoy Tom Barrack said in a post on X Sunday, urging immediate action to resolve the country's armed group dilemma. 'As its leaders have said repeatedly, it is critical that 'the state has a monopoly on arms,'' Barrack noted, pointing to Hezbollah's continued possession of weapons as a major obstacle. 'As long as Hezbollah retains arms, words will not suffice,' he said, calling on both the government and the group to 'fully commit and act now in order to not consign the Lebanese people to the stumbling status quo.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store