News

In clarification of what has been reported in some media outlets, the Municipality of Sidon wishes to emphasize the following:

1. The Municipality reiterates its previous statement that all current investigations are the result of an internal inquiry conducted by a committee of Municipal Council members, commissioned by the Mayor based on a report from the Head of the Financial and Administrative Department regarding administrative irregularities in the Treasury. This is documented in the minutes of the Municipal Council and Civil Service Council meetings. The State Security investigation, whether current or expanded, is subsequent to the Municipality's investigation, not prior to it.

2. The Municipality affirms its complete commitment to the principles of transparency and the preservation of public funds. It addresses any suspicion or allegation with the utmost seriousness and responsibility. All financial and administrative procedures within the Municipality are subject to internal oversight and adherence to applicable legal frameworks. Upon suspicion of any violation, the necessary measures are taken immediately, including referral to the competent oversight and judicial authorities. This is further evidenced by the formation of the internal investigation committee two months ago and the committee's submission of all its data, files, and documents to the oversight bodies. The municipality continues to support the investigation in every way possible to ensure the full truth is revealed and appropriate measures are taken based on the final findings.

3. The municipality reserves its right to comment on any media reports concerning investigation data attributed to any employee, as these matters are subject to the principle of confidentiality of the investigation and fall under the jurisdiction of the judiciary and relevant oversight bodies. Any prejudgment based on any leak constitutes an attack on the investigation and violates the principle of presumption of innocence. Therefore, the municipality rejects any prejudgment that could lead to defamation, in the interest of justice and the reputation of public institutions and their employees.

While the municipality highly values ​​the media's role in monitoring and holding the investigation accountable, it emphasizes the need for responsible engagement with the investigation's proceedings. This is essential to preserve public trust in public institutions and to protect the rights of all individuals involved, particularly employees, until the full facts are established.