After a two-year break in the investigation into a deadly explosion in Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, on August 4, 2020, a judge has reopened the case.
In the case, ten people are suspected of negligence, including “possible intent to commit murder”. Among the suspected perpetrators are security, customs and military personnel.
The explosion killed 220 people and took place in the port of Beirut.
Authorities said at the time that the explosion was caused by a fire in a storage building where a large stock of ammonium nitrate fertilizer had been stored “without thought”.
No one has since been held responsible for the explosion, which is one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history.
The investigation into the case was paused two years ago after the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah accused the judge in the case, Tarek Bitar, of bias and demanded his dismissal.
The officials named in the court documents had also filed a series of lawsuits to prevent the case from moving forward.
The reopening of the case may take place due to Hezbollah’s weakening after the recent war with Israel.
The apparently quiet period has been used to elect a president in Lebanon after the post has been vacant for more than two years. The new head of state, Joseph Aoun, promised last week to work for the “independence of the judiciary”.
The interrogations of the ten suspected perpetrators will begin next month.
In March and April, the “investigation sessions” will resume for people previously suspected in the case, including former ministers, security and military officers, as well as judges and port employees.
This is stated by an anonymous official to the news agency AFP.
After this, according to the official, Judge Tarek Bitar will ask the prosecution to bring charges.
/ritzau/AFP
Source: www.kristeligt-dagblad.dk
