Lebanon: suspension of the procedure against the former head of government Hassan Diab
Former Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab, during a parliamentary session in August 2020 © Wikimedia Commons / Mehr News Agency / https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:PM_Hassan_Diab.jpg
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The judge in charge of the investigation into the devastating explosion in the port of Beirut, Tarek Bitar, on Thursday, October 28, suspended the proceedings concerning the former head of government Hassan Diab, a few hours before his questioning.
This decision follows a complaint by the former Prime Minister against the magistrate.
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With our correspondent in Beirut,
Paul Khalifeh
Prosecuted for "alleged intention of homicide, negligence and misconduct", Hassan Diab is the subject of a warrant of arrest issued by judge Tarek Bitar on September 14, the same day of a private trip to the United States.
On his return, more than a month later, the former prime minister was not worried.
On the day of Hassan Diab's summons, Thursday, October 28, the magistrate was notified of a complaint against the state presented the day before by his lawyers.
The legal proceedings against the former head of government were therefore suspended, pending the decision of the competent chamber.
Three former ministers indicted by Tarek Bitar have also filed new appeals against the magistrate.
One of them, Ali Hassan Khalil, very close to the head of Parliament Nabi Berry, is the subject of an arrest warrant never executed.
To date, Tarek Bitar has failed to hear from any of the politicians he has indicted in his investigation.
The majority of the political class has closed ranks behind the former ministers and deputies, accusing Tarek Bitar of violating the Constitution.
A Constitution which stipulates that political leaders are tried before a High Court formed by Parliament, and not before the criminal justice system.
► To reread: Tarek Bitar, the judge who divides the Lebanese
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Lebanon
Hassan Diab