Cabinet appoints Maher Shaaito as Lebanon's new Financial Prosecutor
Born in 1973 in Deyrintar, a town in the southern district of Bint Jbeil, Shaaito is married to Mona Mahdi and is the father of two sons, Wissam and Ibrahim. He has a brother and sister living abroad.
Shaaito studied law at the Lebanese University–Branch I, graduating in 1993 with the second-highest rank in his class. He joined the Judicial Institute in 1994 and graduated in 1997.
In the same year, he was appointed as a sole judge in the Deir El Qamar court and later that year as a criminal judge in Beirut.
In 2003, Shaaito became a public prosecutor in Mount Lebanon. He was named president of the Beirut Indictment Chamber in 2017.
From 2018 to 2021, he also served as a member of the Higher Judicial Council.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Mayadeen
10 hours ago
- Al Mayadeen
Larijani arrives in Beirut, meets Lebanese officials
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani, arrived in Beirut on Wednesday morning, reaffirming the Islamic Republic's unwavering support for Lebanon and its people in all circumstances. Upon his arrival, Larijani stated, "Whenever Lebanon faces any kind of suffering, we feel it in Iran as well, and be assured that we will stand by the dear people of Lebanon under all circumstances," adding added that Iran is always committed "to serve Lebanon's higher interests." Additionally, he praised the deep-rooted ties between the two nations, saying, "Iran and Lebanon both have ancient civilizations, and for many centuries, the two countries have enjoyed strong relations and connections. There is solid solidarity between their peoples and cultures." Larijani noted that his visit includes meetings with senior Lebanese leaders, including the president of the republic, the prime minister, and the speaker of parliament, to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments. هكذا عبّرت الحشود الشعبية المتجمّعة في محيط مطار بيروت الدولي لاستقبالِ أمين المجلس الأعلى للأمنِ القوميّ في إيران، علي لاريجاني👇#الميادين_لبنان#لبنان During his meeting with Dr. Ali Larijani, President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed Lebanon's commitment to fostering cooperation with Iran on the basis of sovereignty, friendship, and mutual respect. He noted, however, that some recent remarks by certain Iranian officials had not been constructive. Aoun stressed that the friendship Lebanon seeks with Iran should not pass through a single sect or political faction, but should embrace all Lebanese. He underscored that Lebanon is a final homeland for all its citizens, Christians and Muslims alike, and that it is the responsibility of the state, through its constitutional institutions and security forces, to safeguard all communities. He firmly rejected any interference in Lebanon's internal affairs from any side, calling for the Lebanese arena to remain safe and stable in the interest of all citizens without discrimination. Aoun warned that Lebanon has paid a high price whenever one group has sought foreign support against another. The lesson, he said, is that no party or faction, without exception, should bear arms or rely on outside powers. The state and its armed forces alone are responsible for the security of all Lebanese. Any threats, whether from 'Israel' or elsewhere, are challenges for the entire nation, not just for one group, and the strongest weapon in confronting them is unity. الرئيس عون خلال لقائه الدكتور لاريجاني: - لبنان راغب في التعاون مع ايران ضمن حدود السيادة والصداقة القائمين على الاحترام المتبادل.- اللغة التي سمعها لبنان في الفترة الأخيرة من بعض المسؤولين الإيرانيين، غير مساعدة.- الصداقة التي نريد ان تجمع بين لبنان وايران لا يجب ان تكون من… his part, Dr. Larijani conveyed the greetings of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, renewed his invitation for President Aoun to visit Tehran, and expressed Iran's willingness to help Lebanon in its reconstruction efforts. He affirmed Iran's desire to strengthen its relations with the Lebanese state and people in all fields, praising President Aoun's role in bolstering national unity and fostering cohesion among all Lebanese sects and communities. Larijani stressed that Iran does not interfere in Lebanon's internal affairs, adding that his remarks upon arrival in Beirut reflected the official position of the Islamic Republic. Speaking at a press conference in Ain al-Tineh after meeting Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Larijani expressed deep joy for visiting Lebanon, a country he described as enjoying 'excellent relations' with Iran at this stage. He praised the Lebanese people as 'a shining example' in their steadfast resistance to Israeli occupation, adding that Lebanon's unity and success are of great importance to Tehran. 'Our policy is built on the principle that countries in the region must be independent and strong,' Larijani said. 'Lebanon is capable of making sound decisions, and we wish it prosperity.' He noted that Iran's own strength stems from the cohesion of its people and the enduring power of the Iranian Revolution. Larijani stressed that Iran does not view its friends as instruments, but as partners in a shared strategic vision. 'The Resistance embodies deep conviction and strong strategic thinking,' he said, underscoring that no country outside Lebanon should dictate orders to it. 'The Lebanese people are proud and courageous, fully capable of making their own decisions. We will fully respect whatever choices they make, and believe that through consultation with the Resistance, Lebanon can reach the best outcomes.' Reiterating a consistent Iranian message, Larijani emphasized that the nations of the region must be 'strong and independent, not taking orders from across the oceans.' He urged the Lebanese to distinguish between friend and foe, describing the Resistance as 'an asset for the entire Islamic world.' Reflecting on Lebanon's modern history, Larijani pointed out that when 'Israel' invaded Lebanon, Hezbollah did not yet exist, but arose in response, confronting the occupation through resistance. He praised both Hezbollah and the Lebanese government for their deep understanding of the current situation, expressing optimism for Lebanon's future. 'The Resistance Front did not emerge on orders from foreign powers,' Larijani said. 'Its history shows it was created to confront foreign intervention, as in Lebanon and Iraq. Lebanon should value the role of the Resistance and of Hezbollah. Those who interfere in Lebanon's affairs are the ones who impose plans and deadlines. Foreign states should not issue orders to Lebanon, and Tehran does not interfere in its decision-making process.' Beirut is the second stop in Larijani's first regional tour since his appointment as Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council on August 5, 2025. His tour began in Baghdad, where Iran and Iraq signed a joint security memorandum of understanding on border coordination, under the auspices of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. Larijani stressed the need to strengthen political, economic, and social ties between Tehran and Baghdad, noting that the security agreement offers a framework for deeper cooperation. Larijani's visit comes amid heightened tensions in Lebanon over the government's recent US-backed decision to disarm Hezbollah by the end of 2025, a move rejected by Hezbollah and Amal ministers, who walked out of a cabinet session in protest. Iranian officials have strongly opposed the plan to disarm the Resistance. Ali Akbar Velayati, advisor to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, described it as compliance 'to the will of the United States and Israel.' While Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated Tehran's rejection of the proposal and affirmed Lebanon's right to defend itself. In his visit to Baghdad, Larijani asserted that the Resistance Front, of which Hezbollah is an integral part, is "part of the heart of the region's peoples," explaining that "each of its components strives to achieve the aspirations of its own people." He added that the Resistance Front represents "part of the wealth of the peoples in the region, who are well aware of the current circumstances and fully understand their options," stressing that the front "must be preserved.
LBCI
11 hours ago
- LBCI
In Beirut, US envoys push for answers on arms control and UNIFIL mandate
Report by Toni Mrad, English adaptation by Mariella Succar Two American envoys visited Lebanon this week to discuss two pressing issues: U.S. envoy Thomas Barrack focused on strengthening state control over weapons, while Morgan Ortagus emphasized the renewal of the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mandate. According to LBCI, the main purpose of the visit was to review the latest developments regarding the government's commitment to the American paper on arms control, which had been approved by the Lebanese government. The Lebanese side asked the U.S. delegation about the positions of other parties involved in the American proposal, namely Israel and Syria. According to LBCI, Barrack did not carry any Israeli response to the proposal, though reports suggest he may travel to Tel Aviv to obtain one. During meetings with Lebanese officials, Barrack heard from President Michel Aoun Lebanon's position on the importance of all parties adhering to the joint declaration, as well as support for the Lebanese Army and accelerated international steps to launch reconstruction efforts. Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri emphasized that Israel's commitment to the ceasefire agreement and its withdrawal to internationally recognized borders is essential to achieving stability in Lebanon. Barrack's position was reported to be aligned with Lebanon regarding the expectation that Israel undertake similar measures. The issue of arms control was also discussed during a meeting with Army Commander General Rodolph Haykal, focusing on the army's plan to ensure weapons remain under state authority. Another key topic, the renewal of the UNIFIL mandate, was highlighted by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, who stressed its importance in maintaining stability and supporting the army in extending state authority in southern Lebanon. According to LBCI, consultations at the United Nations are ongoing, with the United States reportedly favoring a gradual and responsible reduction in UNIFIL personnel. The two U.S. envoys are expected to return to Lebanon at the end of the month. It remains unclear whether they will bring an Israeli response and Syria's position on the American proposal, or whether the UNIFIL renewal process will be finalized by that time.
LBCI
11 hours ago
- LBCI
Kidnapping claims go viral: ISF reveals facts on Lebanon's missing girls cases
Report by Lara El Hachem, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi Reports of organized gangs kidnapping between 40 and 50 Lebanese girls circulated widely on social media in recent weeks, sparking fear and confusion. However, Lebanon's Internal Security Forces (ISF) have dismissed the claims as false, clarifying that 15 disappearances were reported between July 1 and August 13, with no evidence of abductions by criminal networks. According to ISF investigations, the cases are linked to personal motives such as domestic violence, job opportunities, or family and social issues. In one instance, a young woman traveled to Turkey and later informed her family of her whereabouts. Another case involved a woman who went missing for 24 hours while attempting to leave for an Arab country before her plans fell through. Authorities said most of the missing women have since returned home. In cases where they remain absent, security forces are aware of their locations but cannot compel them to return, particularly if they are fleeing abusive environments. Rumors suggesting that women were being transported to Syria have not been substantiated. On the contrary, sources within two different security agencies indicated that cross-border kidnapping operations have declined significantly due to shifting realities on both sides of the Lebanese-Syrian frontier. Criminal groups that once operated with relative freedom no longer find safe haven in Syria, though the Lebanese Army continues to monitor and follow up on the situation. Statistics from the ISF show that the overall number of reported missing women has remained relatively stable in recent months: seven in April, two in May, seven in June, nine in July, and five in August. Between online rumors and official figures, security officials stress that timely reporting remains the most crucial factor in uncovering the truth.
