Lebanese ex-minister freed on $1,00,000 bail

Lebanon’s judicial authorities ordered the release on $100,000 bail Tuesday of a former economy minister who had been in detention for months over alleged financial crimes, officials said. Amin Salam, who was detained in June, will be banned for travelling for six months as the investigation continues. He will stand trial once his case is ready at the Beirut Criminal Court, four judicial officials said. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations, said Salam paid the bail and should be set free in the coming hours. Lebanon’s State-run National News Agency reported the order of Salam’s release and the bail amount without giving further details. Salam had been charged with forgery, embezzlement and misuse of public funds.