Lebanon: leaders united against the port investigation, to maintain impunity

Despite its deep differences, the Lebanese political class seems at least united on one point: to obstruct the judicial investigation into the deadly explosion at the port of Beirut, the conclusions of which could threaten its survival, analysts say.

Lebanese leaders opposed an international investigation into the August 4, 2020 explosion that left more than 210 dead and devastated entire neighborhoods of the capital.

The first judge in charge of the local investigation was dismissed in February after indicting senior officials, and magistrate Tareq Bitar has been under pressure and threats since replacing him.

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Politicians are trying by all means to hinder the work of Judge Bitar, refusing to appear, increasing the number of complaints before the courts against him, or calling for his replacement.

"

" said Lina Khatib, director of the Middle East and North Africa program at the Chatham House think tank.

"

Go to the end

"

For the London-based analyst, "

", including "

". Spearheading the campaign against Judge Bitar, the powerful Shiite movement Hezbollah accused him of politicizing the investigation and called for his replacement by an "

judge."

".

The case has sparked the most serious crisis for the government of Najib Mikati, formed in September after a 13-month political stalemate and which had to suspend its meetings last week after Hezbollah's demand for fear of an implosion by the government. cabinet.

For Nadim Houry, director of the Arab Reform Initiative, the entire ruling class feels threatened by what he describes as "an

".

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"

", but it faces "

”he said. The huge blast at the port was triggered by a fire in a warehouse that housed tons of ammonium nitrate stored "

", even by the authorities who are accused of "

". The families of the victims see in Judge Bitar the only hope for justice in Lebanon where impunity has long been the rule.

After the civil war (1975-1990), the country proclaimed an amnesty law benefiting warlords, many of whom became political leaders.

"

" said Nadim Houry, speaking of these leaders.

"

Impunity regime

"

If the investigation is successful, it will be "

" which will put an end to the "

" under which each party in power turns a blind eye to the abuses of the others.

Last week, Hezbollah marched its supporters and those of its ally, the Amal movement, in the heart of Beirut to demand the replacement of the judge.

These demonstrators suddenly came under fire, triggering violence that left seven dead, most of them members of the two Shiite formations.

Hezbollah and Amal have accused Lebanese Forces (FL) snipers of targeting their supporters, which the Christian party denies.

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"

", estimates Nadim Houry.

"

" explains Nizar Saghié, director of the NGO Legal Agenda.

"

", he adds.

And by resorting to threats or by raising the specter of a new civil war, she "

", estimates Lina Khatib.