Details of Riad Salameh's Transfer to Hospital: Health Condition and Judicial Measures

MTV learned from its sources new details regarding the transfer of former Central Bank of Lebanon governor Riad Salameh from his place of detention to a hospital to address his health condition, following recent developments in his health over the past two days.

In detail, sources stated that Salameh’s family had submitted a request through an intermediary to the Public Prosecutor at the Court of Cassation, Judge Ahmad Rami al-Hajj, seeking his transfer to a hospital for necessary medical examinations. Initially, Judge al-Hajj delayed ruling on the request, emphasizing the need to obtain a recent official medical report clearly specifying the nature of Salameh’s health condition before making any decision.

Subsequently, Salameh underwent an immediate medical examination, revealing that his blood pressure had risen to 19, prompting an urgent assessment of potential health risks should he remain detained in prison without specialized medical supervision. Sources indicated that medical data and warnings reached the relevant judicial authorities, highlighting the possibility of severe health complications if he were kept under detention without proper care and monitoring.

Based on these medical findings, and in order to prevent any health-related consequences arising from his deteriorating condition inside prison, Judge Ahmad Rami al-Hajj issued a decision authorizing his transfer to a hospital for treatment and ongoing medical follow-up.

Sources told MTV that the transfer took place under special procedures, with Salameh being transported via a medically equipped ambulance rather than a vehicle belonging to internal security forces, to ensure stability during transit to the hospital, where he is currently undergoing medical tests and continuous monitoring under security escort.

It should be noted that Salameh was arrested two weeks ago following allegations against him related to financial engineering cases, facing charges of money laundering and misappropriation of public funds. He was referred to the Beirut Public Prosecution Appellate Office, where the Appellate Public Prosecutor, Judge Raja Hamouch, filed charges and referred the case to the first Investigating Judge to complete legal proceedings.

His health condition has fluctuated since his arrest, leading to multiple transfers from his detention site at the Information Building in the Roumieh Central Prison to Zahra al-Bashshak Hospital under security supervision, with all medical procedures documented upon instruction from Judge Ahmad Rami al-Hajj.

Additionally, Salameh’s family recently requested permission to visit him on several occasions, but the Cassation Public Prosecutor conditioned such visits on the family issuing a written apology and clarification regarding the treatment they claim Salameh receives from the judiciary—after the family had previously released a statement about his health condition, which Judge al-Hajj deemed inconsistent with reality and contrary to the exceptional measures he has taken to safeguard Salameh’s health, safety, and well-being while in custody.

The judicial measures included allowing him to be examined by his personal physician and another doctor from internal security forces. In addition, he has been held in a private room equipped with a television, air conditioning unit, table, and chair.