Report: Fadlallah Affirms Internet Probe Continues Until Results are Reached

Head of the parliamentary media committee MP Hassan Fadlallah emphasized that the committee will carry on efforts with regards to the illegal internet file until it reaches the final results that safeguard Lebanon's national security and the state's finances, As Safir daily reported on Friday.

“The committee will follow up closely on the internet file and all its branches. The file will not be closed until we reach final results that safeguard the national security and the state's finances,” Fadlallah told As Safir.

“The committee will be meeting on May 31 where we will be waiting for the judicial data in light of the official investigations related to the file,” he added.

The MP also pointed out that the committee will receive some information by Telecommunications Minister Butros Harb on which it will build on its next step.

For his part, Harb expressed concern over a failure to reach results in the thorny file, saying: “The probability that the file could enter a stage of clinical death is still a source of concern for me.”

Nevertheless, he expressed confidence in Lebanon's judiciary but urged it to speed up the trials, saying: “The turtle walk does not fall in the interest of the investigation.”

He was referring to the slow progress in the file after it was referred to the judiciary.

He reiterated calls not to provide cover for anyone who is found proven to be involved in the case.

In March, the parliamentary media committee unveiled what it described as a “mafia” that is taking advantage of internet services by installing internet stations that are not subject to the state control.

The owners of these stations are buying international internet bandwidth with nominal cost from Turkey and Cyprus which they are selling back to Lebanese subscribers at reduced prices.

It has been reported that wireless internet towers and technical equipment were placed illegally in some mountainous terrains including Tannourine, al-Dinnieh, Sannine and al-Zaarour.

Early in May, the Financial General Prosecutor sent a request to Harb asking for permission to pursue some of the employees at his ministry, particularly telecommunication company OGERO employees and its chief Abdul Moneim Youssef as a suspect in the case.

Smuggled internet services initiate risks namely the possibility of security breaches as they lack the basic control standards exposing Lebanon's security to third parties including Israel.

D.A.

M.T.