Saudi Press

Saudi Arabia and the world
Saturday, Feb 22, 2025

Beirut blast inquiry judge told by parliament that issuing subpoena for caretaker PM is excessive use of power

Beirut blast inquiry judge told by parliament that issuing subpoena for caretaker PM is excessive use of power

The Lebanese parliament has stated that the judge investigating the blast at the Port of Beirut last year overstepped his power by issuing caretaker PM Hassan Diab a subpoena after he failed to turn up for the inquiry.
In a letter to the prosecutor on Friday, the secretary general of Lebanon’s parliament told Judge Tarek Bitar, who is leading the inquiry into the explosion at Beirut’s port in August 2020, that his order was an excessive use of his power.

The parliament’s statement on Bitar’s issuing of a subpoena comes after Diab failed to be present at an inquiry into the blast, which killed over 200 and wounded around 7,500 others.

The court postponed Diab’s court date until September 20 to give him time to respond to that subpoena. If the caretaker PM refused to attend that session to testify over charges of negligence, Bitar would have the right to issue a warrant for his arrest. Diab rejects any claims of wrongdoing.

The inquiry was launched to find out who is responsible for the fatal explosion that caused large-scale devastation in the Lebanese capital. Over a year later, no senior politicians have been held accountable.

Bitar issued requests in July to question Diab and other top officials who were charged for negligence regarding the blast by former inquiry judge Fadi Sawan. Sawan was dismissed by the Lebanese court in February after two former ministers – who the judge accused of negligence over the blast – complained that he was acting out of his jurisdiction.

Diab was elected prime minister in January 2020, but resigned just days after the Beirut explosion last year following public outcry and demands his government step down. However, subsequent attempts to form a new government have proved futile, meaning that he remains in a caretaker role.

The economic instability which gripped Lebanon even before the blast has worsened since the disaster, with the World Bank Lebanon Economic Monitor saying in June that the country’s financial crisis is one of the worst since the mid-nineteenth century.
Newsletter

Related Articles

Saudi Press
0:00
0:00
Close
Saudi Arabia and the United States Strengthen Ties Amid Global Developments
Saudi Arabia Hosts Global Conference to Promote Islamic Unity
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Education and Child Development
Saudi Arabia Announces Competition for Best Founding Day Outfits
Saudi-EU Food Security Officials Hold Talks to Strengthen Collaboration
Putin Expresses Gratitude to Saudi Crown Prince for Hosting US-Russia Talks
UK and Saudi Arabia Enhance Collaboration in Innovation and Technology
Denmark's Embassy in Riyadh Showcases Danish Cuisine with Saudi Influence
Saudi Artist Salman Al-Amir Unveils 'Tafawut' Exhibition in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia Offers Condolences to Kuwait Following Military Exercise Fatalities
Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs Completes Ramadan Preparations in Madinah
Etidal Secretary-General Hosts UN Counter-Terrorism Director in Riyadh
ADNOC Drilling Targets Over $1 Billion in Investments for 2025 Amid Gulf Expansion Plans
Derayah Financial Achieves Remarkable Growth in Saudi Brokerage and Asset Management
Saudi Arabia Shortlists 30 Firms for Mining Licenses in Eastern Province and Tabuk
Saudi Foreign Minister Engages Counterparts at G20 Meeting in Johannesburg
Oil Prices Decline Amid Rising US Inventories
Saudi Arabia's NDMC Plans Green Bond Issuance by 2025
Moody’s Affirms Egypt’s Caa1 Rating Amid Positive Economic Outlook
Oman and Saudi Arabia Strengthen Economic Ties with New Agreements
Saudi Arabia Investments Propel Expansion of Qurayyah Power Plant
Saudi Capital Market Authority Advances SPACs and Direct Listings
Global Energy Leaders Gather in Riyadh for Symposium on Energy Outlooks
Al-Ahsa Region Sees 500% Growth in Tourism as Saudi Arabia Prioritizes Development
Saudi Arabia Advances Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Al-Ahsa with New Agreement
King Salman Approves Official Saudi Riyal Symbol
Saudi Credit Card Lending Reaches $8.4 Billion Amid Digital Payment Expansion
King Salman Approves Official Symbol for Saudi Riyal
Putin Thanks Saudi Crown Prince for Facilitating U.S.-Russia Discussions
Saudi Foreign Minister Attends G20 Meeting in Johannesburg
Saudi Arabia Prepares for Nationwide Founding Day Celebrations
Inauguration of Hira Park and Walkway Enhances Jeddah's Urban Landscape
Crown Prince Hosts Leaders for Informal Meeting in Riyadh Amid Gaza Rebuilding Plans
Saudi Official Highlights Achievements and Media's Role in National Transformation
Three Expatriate Women Arrested for Prostitution in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia's Diplomatic Evolution Highlighted at Saudi Media Forum
Healthy Eating and Preparation Essential for Ramadan Fasting
Saudi Arabia and Japan Forge Sustainable Textile Partnership
Advanced Limb Surgery Restores Mobility in Pediatric Cancer Patient
Jeddah Event Explores AI's Role in Boosting Saudi Arabia's SME Sector
UN Representative Highlights AI's Role in Perpetuating Gender Stereotypes
Saudi and Jordanian Leaders Discuss Enhanced Security Cooperation in Amman
Saudi British Society Honors Cultural Bridge-Builders at London Gala
Saudi Media Forum 2025 Explores AI's Role in Modern Journalism
Saudi Arabia's Saqer Al-Moqbel Appointed as WTO General Council President for 2025–2026
Saudi Deputy Ministers Engage in Diplomatic Discussions with U.S. and Dutch Officials in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia to Launch Iftar Program in 61 Countries During Ramadan
Saudi Visitors Expected to Spend £942 Million in UK During 2025
Saudi Arabia Gifts Kaaba's Kiswah to Uzbekistan's Center of Islamic Civilization
Digital Cooperation Organization Concludes Fourth General Assembly with Multiple Agreements
×