Jordan’s Former Director of the General Intelligence Department Senator Samih Battikhi, who was arrested by the State Security Court on Tuesday, was charged on six counts of fraud connection with the bank loans case.
Judicial sources on Wednesday said Battikhi “pleaded not guilty” to all charges.
They include embezzlement, forgery of official documents, receiving bribes, forgery of a stamp of an official department, graft and abuse of public office.
Battikhi's arrest constituted the foremost development in this bank fraud case that has dominated public discourse since it first reported last month.
Five other suspects, including businessmen and bankers, are being held in custody. Two others were released weeks after they were detained in connection with the case.
The case involves the granting of JD80 million in loans against insufficient collateral to the prime suspect, businessman Majd Shamayleh, and a group of associates.
Battikhi headed the General Intelligence Department between 1996-1999 during the late king Hussein’s tenure and continued in his post until October 2000 upon orders by King Abdulla II. He was appointed member of the Jordanian Senate Council by King Abdulla II and is still a member but without immunity. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
