MP and former Minister Ali Hassan Khalil gives a press conference on March 12, 2021. (Credit: Ali Fawwaz/Parliament)
BEIRUT — The Beirut Bar Association has lifted attorney’s immunity from MPs and former ministers Ali Hassan Khalil and Ghazi Zeaiter, a source from the association has confirmed to L’Orient Today, nearly one month after port explosion investigator Tarek Bitar requested to prosecute the two among several other high-ranking officials in relation to the blast.
“This is a very good and important first step and the decision was made quickly,” the source said.
Here’s what we know:
• The Beirut Bar Association has granted Bitar permission to prosecute lawyers and sitting MPs Ali Hassan Khalil (Amal/Marjayoun-Hasbaya) and Ghazi Zeitar (Amal/Baalbeck-Hermel) for criminal negligence in relation to the explosion. The Bar must approve of any prosecution of its members.
• However, Khalil’s and Zeitar’s immunity as sitting MPs remains in place. This is currently the only obstacle to prosecuting the two.
• Lebanon’s parliamentarians were expected to finalize a decision on whether they would lift parliamentary immunity from the MPs on Saturday. The parliamentary committee tasked with coming to a decision on the matter has not yet made an official announcement on whether immunity will be lifted.
• In early July, Bitar requested that Parliament lift immunity from Khalil, Zeaiter and Nohad Machnouk (Ind./West Beirut), who as current MPs are protected from prosecution by the constitution.
• Bitar’s predecessor, Fadi Sawwan, was sacked after attempting to charge Khalil, Zeaiter and others.