Fugitive property developer Jean Nassif has refused to remain silent, passionately defending his innocence and criticizing politicians during a tense appearance before New South Wales’ anti-corruption watchdog, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac). Nassif, 58, joined the inquiry via video link from his bedroom in Beirut, Lebanon, where he has been living since fleeing Australia in 2022. The inquiry is examining allegations that Liberal Party figures may have anticipated receiving $2 million in illegal donations from Nassif in exchange for political favors, including harming the career of former NSW Liberal minister David Elliott and removing then-building commissioner David Chandler. During the hearing, Nassif was questioned by counsel assisting the commission, Peggy Dwyer SC. Instead of answering directly, he launched into a rant about Elliott, Chandler, and the broader political and construction landscape in NSW. He accused Elliott of delaying approvals to pressure him and claimed Chandler had lied about defects in his buildings. Nassif also criticized the government, saying he was “fed up with the budget and the way the government is ruled by corrupt politicians.” Dwyer repeatedly asked him to remain calm and to stop shouting, but Nassif refused to comply. “I want to prove my point,” Nassif said. “If you don’t want me to prove myself, I’ll withdraw from all this nonsense.” He showed handwritten notes to the camera, insisting he was not corrupt and accusing the commission of trying to misrepresent him. Assistant commissioner Fabian Gleeson SC urged Nassif to take a breath and reminded him that the inquiry’s goal was to uncover the truth of the allegations, not for him to attack others. “You can be passionate about that, but this is not the forum for those complaints,” Gleeson said. Nassif responded defiantly, saying, “No, no, no, no. There is no one [who] can make me shut up. If you guys are not going to accept the problem, I need to pull out now.” Nassif had initially appeared at the inquiry on Monday but had previously produced a medical certificate to excuse himself from a scheduled appearance earlier this month. The inquiry continues, with no indication that Nassif will be any less vocal in his defense.