Report: Shiite Duo-FPM tensions after Saliba charged in al-Rashid case
State Security chief Maj. Gen. Tony Saliba has been charged by State Commissioner to Military Court Judge Fadi Akiki in the case of the detainee Dany al-Rashid’s escape from prison, judicial sources said.
The sources told the Nidaa al-Watan newspaper that Saliba has been charged with the misdemeanors of abuse of power and misuse of influence.
Al-Rashid had escaped from his State Security prison in Beirut on March 27 before heading to Syria where he was eventually re-arrested by Lebanese and Syrian security agents.
According to media reports, al-Rashid was once an adviser to Saliba and the director of ex-minister Salim Jreissati’s office. He was reportedly enjoying a favorable treatment in the State Security prison -- including breaks to see his family and have dinner outside. He only decided to escape upon learning that he would be moved to an Internal Security Forces prison based on a judicial order, the reports say.
Seven other people, including al-Rashid, have been charged in the prison escape case.
Al-Rashid had been jailed in connection with the attempted murder of the engineer Abdallah Hanna in Zahle.
Following the charges against Saliba, intensive contacts were held between the Shiite Duo and the Free Patriotic Movement in order to “contain the fallout from these charges,” Nidaa al-Watan reported, noting that Saliba is close to the FPM while Akiki is close to Speaker Nabih Berri.
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