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France Investigates: Firas Tlass Alleged Mediator Between Lafarge and Terrorist Organizations
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The accusation against Firas Tlass of involvement in the Lafarge case points to the complexity of business networks linked to the Syrian conflict and their overlap with the activities of prohibited or

The human rights organization "Sherpa" reported that French investigating judges have decided to refer Syrian businessman Firas Tlass to the criminal court on charges of involvement in financing terrorist groups. This decision came as part of ongoing investigations into the activities of the French cement company Lafarge in Syria.
According to the statement issued by the organization, Tlass, who is alleged to have worked as a mediator in this controversial case, will appear before the court alongside the French company and four of its former directors.
The charges against them include "financing a terrorist group" and "violating the European embargo" imposed on financial dealings with organizations classified as terrorist, such as the Al-Nusra Front and ISIS.
Investigations indicated that Lafarge had entered into agreements with these organizations until 2014, aiming to ensure the continuity of its operations in Syria. Tlass is believed to have played a pivotal role in facilitating these arrangements, which placed him in the circle of accusation.
In addition to Tlass, two former employees responsible for security in Syria will also face trial, highlighting the complexity of operations that were taking place on the ground.
The case of Firas Tlass raises questions about the role of local intermediaries in facilitating the work of foreign companies in conflict zones, and how they deal with security and legal challenges. It also highlights the difficulties faced by global companies in complying with international sanctions while operating in unstable environments.
This trial is expected to shed light on the suspicious business practices that accompanied the Syrian conflict and may have implications for economic and diplomatic relations between France and Syria. It may also set an important legal precedent in the field of holding companies and individuals accountable for violating international sanctions.
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BENEFIT Sponsors BuildHer...
- April 23, 2025
BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has sponsored the BuildHer CityHack 2025 Hackathon, a two-day event spearheaded by the College of Engineering and Technology at the Royal University for Women (RUW).
Aimed at secondary school students, the event brought together a distinguished group of academic professionals and technology experts to mentor and inspire young participants.
More than 100 high school students from across the Kingdom of Bahrain took part in the hackathon, which featured an intensive programme of training workshops and hands-on sessions. These activities were tailored to enhance participants’ critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and team-building capabilities, while also encouraging the development of practical and sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges using modern technological tools.
BENEFIT’s Chief Executive Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi, commented: “Our support for this educational hackathon reflects our long-term strategic vision to nurture the talents of emerging national youth and empower the next generation of accomplished female leaders in technology. By fostering creativity and innovation, we aim to contribute meaningfully to Bahrain’s comprehensive development goals and align with the aspirations outlined in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030—an ambition in which BENEFIT plays a central role.”
Professor Riyadh Yousif Hamzah, President of the Royal University for Women, commented: “This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing women in STEM fields. We're cultivating a generation of creative, solution-driven female leaders who will drive national development. Our partnership with BENEFIT exemplifies the powerful synergy between academia and private sector in supporting educational innovation.”
Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager, PR & Communication at BENEFIT, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with RUW in supporting this remarkable technology-focused event. It highlights our commitment to social responsibility, and our ongoing efforts to enhance the digital and innovation capabilities of young Bahraini women and foster their ability to harness technological tools in the service of a smarter, more sustainable future.”
For his part, Dr. Humam ElAgha, Acting Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at the University, said: “BuildHer CityHack 2025 embodies our hands-on approach to education. By tackling real-world problems through creative thinking and sustainable solutions, we're preparing women to thrive in the knowledge economy – a cornerstone of the University's vision.”
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