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MENA Observatory – Lebanon
Amnesty International described the investigations carried out by the Lebanese authorities into the Beirut port explosion disaster as non-independent and biased, and again called for the creation of an internationally accredited investigative mechanism to directly find out the causes of the explosion and those responsible.
Lebanese security authorities had launched investigations into the disaster about three weeks ago, when the Lebanese government and President Michel Aoun refused to form an international investigative committee into the disaster that killed 200 people, injured another 6,000 and displaced 300,000 Lebanese.
In addition, the committee indicated that the investigation must be carried out through a specialized international committee, made up of a group of experts, considering that referring the investigation to the Supreme Council of the Judiciary is unacceptable for a case in which there are serious allegations against state bodies , especially since the Council lacks its procedures. Independence and impartiality and do not meet fair international standards, and therefore the Council does not have jurisdiction to prosecute current officials, including the president and ministers, as described by the organization.
Several evidentiary experts have previously criticized the handling by the security authorities of the scene of the explosion, pointing out that their measures can help in the disappearance and loss of much evidence, especially when leaving the place open for long hours.
For her part, the Acting Regional Director of Amnesty International for the Middle East and North Africa, Lynn Maalouf, considered that the measures adopted by the Lebanese state indicate a lack of seriousness in fulfilling its responsibilities in conducting an investigation process transparent and impartial, noting that Lebanon has a long history of flight from punishment, which is promoting the establishment of the international investigation mechanism as the only way to guarantee the rights of the victims in truth and justice.
