Judge Tarek Bitar, the lead investigator into the Beirut Port Blast, was informed of the decision that allows him to continue his investigation.
Judge Bitar previously reassured the victims’ families that he will not back down from the investigation, regardless of the threats and immense pressure he has been facing.
On November 4th, 2021, Judge Habib Mezher failed in the attempt to take over the case and have Judge Bitar removed from it, which put the investigation on hold for a month.
Former Minister Youssef Fenianos’ lawsuits that were filed on November 25th, on the basis of legitimate suspicion, were rejected by the Court of Cassation.
The same minister then requested the removal of Judge Bitar from the investigation, which put further complications on the investigations process. However, the request was rejected on December 7th, 2021 by by the President of the 12th Chamber of the Court.
That request was considered to be the last barrier in the way of the Beirut Blast Probe and Judge Bitar himself.
