Hezbollah denies bankruptcy link

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/middle_east/8245112.stm

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Lebanon's mainly Shia Muslim movement Hezbollah has denied any role in the bankruptcy of a prominent businessman from the same sect, Salah Ezzeddine.

No senior member of Hezbollah had taken money that allegedly disappeared during the collapse of the Ezzeddine business empire, said leader Hassan Nasrallah.

Mr Ezzedine was personally close to a number of Hezbollah figures and managed the savings of many other Shia Muslims.

He was taken into custody last week but has not been charged with any crime.

"Neither Hezbollah, nor its leadership, nor its members have any link to this matter," Mr Nasrallah said in comments to the media.

"Leaders do not have any of the alleged funds," he added.

He did not comment on allegations that senior Hezbollah figures had themselves been among victims of an alleged Ponzi scheme.