Port shutdown progresses after delay
The article discusses the developments in the Beirut Port explosion case. On March 30th, Judge Tarek Bitar announced the closure of the investigation after gathering evidence and interrogations involving approximately seventy political, security, judicial, and administrative officials. He referred the case to the Public Prosecution Department for its basic review. Despite completing the investigation, no decision has yet been issued to determine who is barred from trial, who is accused, and who will be referred to the Judicial Council; the trial itself remains unopened. President Aoun called for issuing a ruling to achieve justice, and Nohab Salameh emphasized that there can be no compromise at the expense of justice. Meanwhile, the case remains outside the courtroom despite the completion of investigative tools. The investigations continue after years of disputes and difficulties, including petitions for recusal and defenses related to jurisdictional questions. The Public Prosecution is moving toward preparing the "Main Opinion" to study the evidence and determine responsibilities, despite changes in the Public Prosecutor’s leadership and multiple authorities responsible for the case. The report highlights the importance of issuing the "So-lheh Decision," which would specify the evidence and bring the case closer to trial. It warns that delays in transitioning to the open judicial phase threaten to repeat previous stalling, especially given the difficulties in executing summonses and differing opinions regarding the court’s jurisdiction. However, the current stage places the entire Lebanese judiciary under scrutiny: it must protect what has been accomplished and turn the investigation into a case before the court.
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