MP George Bouchikian denies fleeing Lebanon ahead of immunity lift request
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.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
LBCI
an hour ago
- LBCI
Lebanon launches crackdown on fake and smuggled medicines with new tracking app
Report by Lara El Hachem, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi In Lebanon's shadowy pharmaceutical market, two major threats put patients' lives at risk: counterfeit drugs and smuggled medicines. While counterfeit medications are manipulated in their composition, smuggled drugs—whether authentic or not—often lack proper storage and transport conditions, making them equally dangerous The Public Health Ministry is now taking steps to combat both phenomena, starting with the development of a mobile application that will allow patients to verify the safety of any medication before purchasing it. How does it work? By scanning the barcode on the packaging, users can trace the medicine's journey from the manufacturer to the distributor and ultimately to the pharmacy. If the drug is found to be illegal or unsafe, it will become easier to hold those responsible accountable. As part of its recent enforcement measures, the ministry has referred 18 pharmacies to the judiciary on suspicion of distributing counterfeit drugs. In parallel, the Order of Pharmacists of Lebanon is taking disciplinary actions against violators. Currently, 25% of Lebanon's pharmaceutical market is made up of locally produced drugs. Officials are urging the public not to fall victim to manipulation or fear-mongering, emphasizing that generic alternatives to branded medicines are always available. To raise awareness, the government has launched a national campaign to combat the smuggling and counterfeiting of medicines. As part of the initiative, the Health Minister announced preliminary results from recent laboratory testing of dietary supplements, which had previously raised concerns over health safety standards. Information Minister Ziad Makary also warned against corporate blackmail and paid smear campaigns on media platforms, which ultimately affect citizens. According to both ministries, the ultimate solution lies in expediting the Cabinet's approval of the implementation decrees for the creation of the National Drug Authority. This long-awaited body would oversee, inspect, and regulate Lebanon's pharmaceutical market to ensure unified and transparent control over one of the country's most vital sectors.
LBCI
an hour ago
- LBCI
At Paris summit, Israel secures 'strategic ground' in Syria — ‘core red lines met'
Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Laetithia Harb Following a summit held in Paris, Israel secured key conditions regarding southern Syria during a meeting that included Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, and U.S. envoy Tom Barrack. The agreement reaffirmed Israeli red lines in the region: maintaining a buffer zone, disarming towns in southern Syria, and preventing Syrian regime forces from entering these areas. The discussions specifically focused on Druze-majority towns, with the stated aim of protecting their security—particularly in Sweida. Israeli officials welcomed the outcome, describing it as meeting Tel Aviv's core demands and safeguarding its interests in Syria. As part of the deal, the dismantling of weapons in Quneitra and Daraa was agreed upon, alongside the formation of local security committees that would operate without heavy arms. The agreement concerning Sweida is considered the most significant. It will unfold in two phases under direct U.S. supervision. The first phase involves the withdrawal of tribal forces and Syrian government troops from Druze villages, a process to be verified by Druze factions. In the second phase, local councils composed of Sweida residents will be established to manage the region's resources and services, as well as monitor the agreement's implementation and document any violations. The deal also bars any organizations affiliated with the Syrian government from entering the area, while granting access to international agencies. While Israeli officials described the agreement as a major achievement, some within the Druze community in Israel criticized it as deepening Israeli involvement in Druze affairs. The Israeli-Syrian border was also included in the agreement. Joint Israeli and Syrian security and technical teams will be tasked with maintaining order along the frontier. Additional meetings may be held if the agreement is successfully implemented and calm returns to the Syrian front, where Israeli influence continues to expand.
LBCI
an hour ago
- LBCI
Israeli military says senior Hezbollah official killed in southern Lebanon strike
The Israeli army said it carried out a strike in southern Lebanon earlier Friday, killing Ali Mohammad Hassan Kassan, the Hezbollah official in charge of manpower for the Bint Jbeil sector. Army spokesperson Avichay Adraee claimed Kassan had recently been working to rebuild Hezbollah's presence in the area and recruit new members during the ongoing conflict. Adraee said his activities violated the understandings between Israel and Lebanon, adding that the Israeli military would 'continue operating to eliminate any threat to Israel.'
