Bangladesh, Aug. 30 -- Former Banque du Liban (BDL) governor Riad Salameh, once hailed as the architect of Lebanons financial system, has been released on bail of over $20 million after nearly a year in detention on charges of embezzling public funds. The decision, which comes at a time when ordinary Lebanese continue to reel from the countrys unprecedented economic collapse, has reignited debate over whether the nations judicial system is capable of holding its most powerful figures to account.

The ruling by a Lebanese court allows Salamehs conditional release, subject to a one-year travel ban. Yet critics argue that the move represents more of a symbolic gesture than a serious step toward justice. For many Lebanese, the case epitomizes...