Lebanon’s ex-central bank chief accused of corruption released on $14m bail

Riad Salameh was initially celebrated for his role in steering the country’s economic recovery after a 15-year civil war (Hussein Malla/AP)

Lebanon’s long-time former central bank chief, who is widely blamed for the country’s economic meltdown, has been released on bail of $14m after a year in jail awaiting trial on corruption charges.

Riad Salameh ended his 30-year term as central bank governor in 2023 under a cloud, with several European countries probing allegations of financial crimes.