Latest news with #BeirutPortExplosion
LBCI
3 days ago
- Politics
- LBCI
Beirut Port explosion case update: More officials defy judge as probe nears final phase
Report by Maroun Nassif, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian In the latest developments in the Beirut Port explosion case, former Public Prosecutor Ghassan Oueidat has refused to sign a summons to appear before Judicial Investigator Judge Tarek Bitar next Monday as a defendant. According to the head of the clerk's office at the Court of Cassation's Public Prosecution, Oueidat stated that he does not recognize the authority or jurisdiction of the judicial investigator, whose powers he considers suspended—meaning Oueidat will not attend Monday's session. Oueidat's response to Bitar was delivered in writing and was sharply worded. In the same letter, Oueidat also criticized Public Prosecutor at the Court of Cassation Judge Jamal Al-Hajjar, who served him with the summons, accusing him of implementing decisions marred by serious legal errors and violations. He urged Al-Hajjar to correct what he described as a flawed course of action. With this move, Oueidat has joined the list of political figures who have refused to appear before Judge Bitar—most notably former Minister Ghazi Zaiter, who is also expected to skip his scheduled session on Friday. Former ministers Ali Hassan Khalil and Youssef Fenianos have also defied summonses, and Bitar has issued arrest warrants in absentia for both. By contrast, a longer list of officials has complied with Bitar's investigation, including former Prime Minister Hassan Diab, former Minister Nohad Machnouk, Major Gen. Abbas Ibrahim, Major Gen. Tony Saliba, Judges Jad Maalouf, Carla Chawah, and Ghassan Khoury, General Jean Kahwaji, and former head of the Higher Customs Council Asaad al-Tufayli. After completing the interrogation phase, Bitar is still awaiting responses to several letters rogatory he sent to foreign countries, as well as testimony from additional witnesses or defendants. He will then refer the investigation file to the Court of Cassation's Public Prosecution for a non-binding opinion. According to information obtained by LBCI, the file is expected to be referred to Judge Al-Hajjar in September, which likely means Bitar will issue his indictment decision before the end of 2025.
LBCI
3 days ago
- Politics
- LBCI
President Aoun pledges justice for Beirut blast victims, vows accountability
President Joseph Aoun affirmed that Lebanon will spare no effort in building a state that respects the rights of its citizens and protects their lives, vowing that the Beirut Port explosion would serve as a lesson for a better future. His remarks came during a meeting at the Presidential Palace on Thursday with a delegation of families of the Beirut blast victims. Speaking on behalf of the group, William Noun thanked the president for receiving them. He stressed that there is no division among the victims' families. President Aoun welcomed the delegation and expressed his full solidarity with the families, describing his deep sorrow for their loss. 'The responsibility falls on all of us to ensure justice,' he said. He concluded: 'From now on, justice will take its course. The guilty will be held accountable, and the innocent will be cleared.'
LBCI
08-07-2025
- Health
- LBCI
Lebanon's health minister approves full medical coverage for Beirut blast victims
Lebanon's Health Minister Rakan Nasreddine has approved full medical coverage for those wounded in the 2020 Beirut Port explosion, the founding committee representing the victims announced Tuesday. In a statement, the committee said the decision followed coordination with the Health Ministry and came after it presented detailed accounts of the victims' ongoing suffering and medical needs. The ministry also expressed readiness, in collaboration with donor agencies, to provide prosthetics, medical supplies, and additional support, pending parliamentary approval of a draft law submitted by the committee. The proposed law seeks to grant blast victims the same benefits afforded to wounded Lebanese army personnel.
LBCI
04-07-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
No justice yet: Beirut Port explosion indictment unlikely before fifth anniversary
Report by Edmond Sassine, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi An indictment appears to be increasingly unlikely in the Beirut Port explosion case ahead of the tragedy's fifth anniversary on August 4. Judicial investigator Judge Tarek Bitar resumed proceedings in the high-profile case in January 2025, filing charges against ten military and civilian officials and scheduling interrogation sessions beginning in February. However, several key steps remain before Judge Bitar can issue the long-awaited indictment, making it improbable that the process will conclude before the anniversary. One of the most significant procedural steps ahead is the interrogation of MP Ghazi Zaiter, as well as former Public Prosecutor Judge Ghassan Oweidat. Additionally, Bitar is expected to question witnesses and await responses to international judicial requests that have already been submitted. The Public Prosecution must also present its final opinion on the investigation before Bitar can proceed with issuing formal charges. These combined steps are unlikely to be completed before August 4. As part of ongoing procedures, Judge Bitar on Friday rejected preliminary objections submitted by Zaiter's legal team after reviewing the Public Prosecution's position on those motions. The judge has now scheduled Zaiter's interrogation for July 18. In parallel, Bitar will send an official notification to Parliament through the Justice Ministry, informing lawmakers of the upcoming interrogation, given that Parliament is currently in an extraordinary session. As for the questioning of former Public Prosecutor Ghassan Oweidat, sources have not confirmed whether a date has been set for his hearing.
LBCI
03-06-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Beirut Port blast judge summons MP Ghazi Zaiter for questioning on June 13
Judge Tarek Bitar, the lead investigator in the Beirut Port explosion case, has scheduled a questioning session for former Public Works Minister MP Ghazi Zaiter for Friday, June 13. Zaiter is to be interrogated as a defendant in the case.
