Probe into Beirut blast frozen over judge impartiality suit, source says

[September 27, 2021]    BEIRUT (Reuters) - A probe into the Beirut port blast was frozen on Monday when a former minister wanted for questioning as a suspect filed a case questioning the lead investigator's neutrality, a judicial source said.

A view shows the grain silo that was damaged during last year's Beirut port blast, during sunset in Beirut, Lebanon, July 29, 2021. Picture taken July 29, 2021. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir

The Aug. 4, 2020 Beirut port blast killed hundreds, injured thousands and destroyed large swathes of the capital Beirut. It was caused by a large quantity of chemicals stored at a warehouse unsafely for years.

Judge Tarek Bitar was appointed lead investigator after the removal of his predecessor in February on similar grounds.

There was no immediate comment from Bitar, who is not permitted to speak to the media.

(Reporting By Laila Bassam and Maha El Dahan; Editing by Jon Boyle)

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