Under exceptional measures, a court session was held yesterday before the Beirut Criminal Court for the trial of Nouh Zaiter. He was questioned in two out of six drug-related cases, and later declared his innocence of drug trafficking charges. Zaiter, whose reputation precedes him, stated during the session that he does not deal in drugs, noting that he only cultivated cannabis prior to 2008 before leaving for Syria afterward.
It is worth noting that Zaiter faces multiple in absentia arrest warrants in connection with drug-related cases, following the arrest of several individuals who admitted during investigations to obtaining narcotics from him. The number of warrants issued against him exceeds 1,600, in addition to more than 1,900 lawsuits listed on his record.
The session witnessed a heated exchange between the court panel and his lawyers, Ahmad Jaber and Sami Younes, who challenged the charges due to lack of evidence. The hearing lasted around 25 minutes, during which the judge did not pose any questions. Zaiter requested permission to speak, saying: “Why are you making me a scapegoat? Every time someone mentions Nouh Zaiter, you believe it.”
Zaiter left the Beirut Palace of Justice handcuffed and blindfolded, under tight security measures carried out by the Information Branch of the Internal Security Forces. More than 40 officers were deployed inside the courthouse, while four military vehicles secured its perimeter.
In conclusion, the session was adjourned until October 19.
