Lebanon Protests: Ex-PM Questioned Over How $11 Billion Was Spent

By Staff, Agencies

Former Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora was questioned by a state prosecutor on Thursday over how $11 billion in state funds was spent while he was in power.

His office, however, issued a statement claiming the spending was entirely legal.

It was the first time a former Lebanese prime minister had been summoned for such questioning, and it follows protests against a ruling elite that is widely accused of state corruption.

Opponents of Siniora, who was prime minister from 2005 until 2008 and had two spells as finance minister, emphasize that $11 billion in government funds was unaccounted for while he was in power.

But in its statement, Siniora’s office claimed he had explained to the financial public prosecutor where the money was spent and that is was used in meeting state needs.

Meanwhile, dozens of protesters gathered outside Siniora’s home in Beirut and outside his office in the southern city of Sidon, chanting and waving Lebanese flags, Reuters television reported.