Resumption of the investigation into the devastating explosion in the port of Beirut after more than a year | Abroad

The investigation into the deadly explosion in the port of the Lebanese capital, Beirut, resumed in 2020. The investigation was suspended for thirteen months due to the political chaos in the country.

The investigation into the cause of the explosion stopped in December 2021. Then a number of politicians filed a complaint against Judge Tariq Bitar, who led the investigation into the disaster. Bitar wanted to question them about the circumstances. They refused, resulting in the investigation being closed.

In recent months, Lebanon’s parliament has been debating how to proceed with the investigation. Hezbollah, a political party and armed movement in Lebanon, has repeatedly demanded the judge’s resignation as head of the investigation.

The investigation hit a dead end when some of the judges retired in early 2022 before deciding whether Bitar would continue his work.

As far as I know, Bitar is still in office and on Monday requested the release of five people, including two port employees, who were arrested over the case. In addition, he demanded the arrest of eight other suspects, including the Director of Public Security and the head of the State Security Apparatus.

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