In Lebanon, Chief Prosecutor of the Court of Appeals, Ghassan Oweidat, decided to release the detainees related to the explosion that occurred in Beirut Port on August 4, 2020, and filed a criminal complaint against Judge Tariq Bitar, who conducted the investigation into the explosion.
The investigation into the explosion at the port in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, on August 4, 2020, was blocked 2 days after it resumed after more than a year. The Chief Prosecutor of the Court of Appeals, Ghassan Oweidat, decided to release those detained in connection with the explosion and filed a criminal complaint against the judge, Tarık Bitar, who was conducting the investigation into the explosion. While it is not yet clear what charges Bitar is facing, it was reported that Bitar and the detainees who were decided to be released would be banned from abroad.
“CANNOT TAKE ANY DECISION ABOUT THIS FILE”
In his statement, Judge Bitar reminded that Oweidat was included in the indictment prepared within the scope of his investigation and said, “He cannot take any decision about this file.”
Stating that he will continue his duty until an indictment is prepared, Bitar emphasized that the decision to release the detainees taken by Oweidat is not legal and should not be implemented.
THE HIGH JUDICIARY COUNCIL IS EXPECTED TO MEET
In the news in the Lebanese press, it was stated that Oweidat summoned Bitar to the Palace of Justice in Beirut in the morning, and that the Supreme Judicial Council would meet to find a judge to replace Bitar.
WHAT HAPPENED?
On August 4, 2020, a fire broke out in a warehouse containing explosives in the Port of Beirut, and then a large explosion occurred. At least 210 people were killed and 6,500 injured in the explosion.
As a result of the explosion, great damage occurred in many areas in the capital Beirut.
Bitar, who conducted the investigation into the incident after the explosion, summoned former Prime Minister Hassan Diyab and some senior officials to testify. Afterwards, Bitar, who sent a letter to the parliament demanding the lifting of the immunity of 3 former ministers, met with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, an important ally of former Hezbollah, members of the Amal Movement, Minister of Finance Ali Hasan Halil, former Minister of Interior Nouhad Al-Machnouk within the scope of the investigation. He wanted to question the former Minister of Public Works, Youssef Finianos. Judge Bitar, who made the decision to bring Diyab to court, also issued a warrant for the arrest of former Minister Finianos, who did not attend the hearing. The Ministry of Interior had failed to comply with the arrest warrants issued by Bitar.
Al-Machnouk also requested that the case be transferred to another judge after Bitar summoned him to testify. Bitar noted that he could not continue the investigation until the Beirut Court of Appeals decided on the case.
Afterwards, Diyab, who was scheduled to be questioned by Judge Bitar in the port explosion case, filed a lawsuit against Bitar. According to Lebanese law, it was decided to postpone the hearing, in which Diyab would be questioned, after Bitar was informed that a lawsuit had been filed against him. (UAV)