Beirut blast probe suspended after request to remove judge

Lebanese political leadership has accused Judge Tarek Bitar of bias after charging senior officials.

Beirut, Lebanon – The devastating Beirut port explosion inquiry has been suspended after accused former Interior Minister Nouhad Machnouk formally notified the investigator of the dismissal of the case against him.

As per Lebanese law, Judge Tarek Bitar was forced to halt the investigation. He had already filed new requests to the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities to summon General Security Chief Major-General Abbas Ibrahim and State Security Chief Major-General Tony Saliba on Monday, and had to cancel the scheduled interrogations with two brigadier-generals.

The judiciary will determine whether Bitar will continue leading the inquiry.