Here's The Timeline Of The The Beirut Blast Investigation, 2 Years Later
After a massive explosion erupted at the Port of Beirut on August 4th, 2020, the families of the victims demanded justice and accountability for their beloved ones.
Unfortunately, however, the families of the 234+ victims have been waiting for 2 years but to no avail. This is due to the protection offered by the Lebanese political establishment to the suspects.
Despite the many promises made to the people throughout the past 2 years, suspected politicians are still evading justice with the help of traditional Lebanese parties.
Due to the ongoing complications encountered in this case, a timeline of the sequence of events from one year after the investigation to date has become necessary to document.
In July 2021, Judge Tarek Bitar was seeking the prosecution of senior politicians and security officials and requested the lifting of pertinent immunities.
August 2021
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Families of the victims organize a protest to block MPs from attending a Parliament session. The session aimed to discuss Judge Bitar's request to have the immunity of several officials lifted.
Higher Defense Council of Lebanon refuses to grant the necessary permission for Judge Bitar to prosecute Maj. Gen. Tony Saliba.
Judge Bitar is allowed to resume his investigations after the defendants submitted their formal defenses.
A field simulation of the welding that took place at the Port of Beirut’s Warehouse 12 before the explosion was conducted under the supervision of Judge Bitar . The aim was to conclude whether welding had a direct effect that led to the deadly blast.
Judge Bitar summons former caretaker PM Hassan Diab for interrogation.
Lebanese Parliament stops Judge Bitar from summoning PM Diab .
The mothers of the victims gathered in front of Judge Ghassan Ouaidat’s home protesting against the political interference in the investigation.
Judge Bitar questions the former member of the Higher Council of Customs , Hani Hajj Shehadeh, and decides to issue an arrest warrant against him.
September 2021
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Former PM Diab leaves to the US after getting summoned again for questioning.
Human Rights Watch demands an international probe into the Beirut Blast.
Judge Bitar issues an arrest warrant for ex-Public Works Minister Youssef Fenianos.
EU insists on the must to strengthen the Beirut Blast investigation , deploring the lack of cooperation of the majority of the Lebanese Parliament and certain ministries with the judicial authorities.
Judge Bitar sets dates for questioning three Lebanese MPs over the Beirut Port Explosion.
Several Lebanese officials come together to file a lawsuit against Judge Bitar.
Former Minister Youssef Fenianos files a lawsuit against Judge Bitar to have him dismissed from the Beirut Port Explosion investigation.
A protest is organized in front of the Justice Palace in Beirut in support of Judge Bitar’s work.
Former minister Nouhad Machnouk files a lawsuit against Judge Bitar, pausing the investigation until a top court rules on the case.
October 2021
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Beirut Court of Appeal unanimously rejects the complaint against Judge Bitar, allowing for the investigation to proceed.
Civil Court of Cassation rejects the request of ex-ministers Ali Hassan Khalil and Ghazi Zeaiter to remove Judge Bitar.