Explosion of the port of Beirut: the investigation once again suspended

A general view shows the site of the August 4 explosion in the port of Beirut, nearly a year after the explosion, on July 24, 2021. REUTERS - MOHAMED AZAKIR

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2 min

In Lebanon, Judge Tarek Bitar, in charge of the investigation into the double explosion in the port of Beirut, was temporarily removed from the case following a complaint filed by a former minister indicted in connection with the investigation.

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With our correspondent in Beirut, 

Paul Khalifeh

For the second time this year, the investigation into the double explosion at the port of Beirut has been suspended, to the chagrin of the families of the victims.

At the origin of this approach, a complaint filed against Judge Tarek Bitar by a former Minister of the Interior.

Prosecuted for "

 alleged intention of homicide, negligence and breaches 

", Nouhad Machnouk suspects the magistrate of " 

bad intentions 

", having indicted him before hearing him.

The ex-minister also believes that the judge violated the Constitution which stipulates that ministers must be prosecuted before a special court created by Parliament and not before a criminal court.

Showdown between justice and the political class

Behind this legal-political imbroglio hides a standoff between justice and the political class.

She accuses Judge Tarek Bitar of serving as a hobbyhorse for the Head of State Michel Aoun in a vast settling of scores.

The magistrate's supporters accuse the political class of wanting to torpedo the investigation to escape its responsibilities.

The end of the investigation frustrates the families of hundreds of victims of the double explosion, but also thousands of people who have lost their property.

Until the court delivers its verdict, insurance companies will not pay compensation, estimated at more than $ 1 billion.

On August 4, 2020, the

explosion

of several hundred tons of ammonium nitrate stored without any precaution in hangars left at least 214 dead, more than 6,500 injured and destroyed part of the capital.

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To read also: Explosion of the port of Beirut: "Lebanese officials knew there was a risk"

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