Judge Tarek Bitar's investigation has been suspended for several weeks due to an appeal filed against him by former Public Works Minister Youssef Fenianos. (Credit: NNA)
BEIRUT – Families of victims of the Beirut port blast staged a protest Monday morning in front of the Justice Palace to demand the resumption of the Beirut port blast investigation led by Judge Tarek Bitar. The investigation has been suspended for several weeks due to an appeal filed against him.
Here’s what we know:
• A few dozen protesters blocked the entrance to the palace, holding portraits of their relatives who were killed in the explosion. The Aug. 4, 2020, blast left more than 200 people dead and 6,500 injured.
• Tarek Bitar's investigation continues to be hampered by appeals filed against him by politicians he has summoned for investigation.
• The demonstrators also demanded the appointment of a new judge in the Court of Cassation, given that the recent retirement of one of its members has caused this body to lose the quorum required to hold meetings to rule on complaints against Bitar.
• The latest appeal was presented on Dec. 3 by former Public Works Minister Youssef Fenianos, who is subject to an arrest warrant in absentia after failing to appear before Bitar.