Judge Tarek Bitar, the lead investigative judge in the Beirut Port explosion case, has embarked on a renewed effort to advance the investigation that has long been delayed. Despite facing substantial opposition, Bitar is preparing to schedule interrogation sessions for several key political and security figures implicated in the tragic event.

These sessions were initially set to begin on September 18 but were delayed due to the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. Now, Bitar is pushing ahead with the investigation, determined to bring justice to the victims.

The investigation has faced numerous hurdles, including a two-year ban imposed by the Court of Cassation's prosecutor. This ban, which was implemented in January 2023 by then-prosecutor general Ghassan Oueidate, prevented the judicial police from assisting Bitar in executing arrest warrants, delivering notifications, and transmitting essential documents related to the case. Oueidate’s actions were viewed as a retaliation after Bitar charged him in connection with the explosion, which led to the release of 17 detainees and legal proceedings accusing Bitar of “usurping authority.”

When Oueidate retired in February 2024, his successor, Jamal Hajjar, placed conditions on any potential cooperation. He suggested that Bitar’s investigation should be split, limiting Bitar’s authority to cases involving public officials, while excluding political figures, magistrates, and officers. Bitar, however, rejected these conditions, arguing that the unity of the case is vital for uncovering the truth.

Despite these setbacks, Bitar has made it clear that he will continue his work without concessions. With the judicial police unable to assist, he has enlisted civil bailiffs to issue summonses for those required for questioning. While this approach is unconventional in criminal investigations, it is legally valid and will allow Bitar to move forward with the investigation.

A New Phase in the Investigation

On January 16, Bitar resumed his work at the Beirut Court of Justice and presented a new list of individuals to be interrogated, starting in early February. The first round of questioning will begin on February 7, and the investigation will be divided into three main phases. The first phase will include the questioning of 14 individuals, including 10 new figures added to the case. These include:

• Mohamed Ahmed Kassabia (former port employee)
• Marwan Kaaki (former port employee)
• Rabih Srour (former port employee)
• Asaad Toufayli (Head of the Higher Customs Council)
• Gracia Al-Qazzi (former member of the Higher Customs Council)
• Brigadier General Raymond Khoury (current Director-General of Customs)
• Brigadier General Adel Francis (Customs)
• Brigadier General Najm Al-Ahmadiya (current officer in General Security)
• Retired Brigadier General Monah Sawaya (former General Security officer)
• Retired Brigadier General Mohamed Hassan Moqalled
• Retired port security chief Marwan Eid
• Former Intelligence Director of the Army Edmond Fadel

New Faces to Be Questioned

The second phase of the investigation, scheduled for March, will see the questioning of security officials who were previously charged by Bitar in earlier stages, including Abbas Ibrahim, Tony Saliba, and others. The final stage of the investigation will focus on the most sensitive group: political and judicial figures who have not yet been interrogated. This phase is likely to be the most contentious, as it involves some of the most powerful individuals in Lebanon’s political and judicial systems.

Sources told Al-Modon that, after the final round of interrogations in April, the investigation will be concluded, and the case will be referred to the Public Prosecution Office for review. This review will set the stage for issuing an indictment and referring the case to the Judicial Council for further action.

Rising Tensions and Resistance

Bitar’s return to the Beirut Court of Justice has sparked confusion and tension among both judges and defendants. Lawyers representing those implicated in the case have been anxiously awaiting the announcement of the names to be questioned and the scheduling of the interrogation sessions. A meeting was held between Prosecutor General Jamal Hajjar, the lawyers for the accused, and the families of the victims to discuss the next steps in the case.

Sources close to the case told Al-Modon that Hajjar met with Bitar, along with the Head of the Supreme Judicial Council, Judge Suhail Abboud. While the meeting was described as "normal," it did not yield any significant progress. Hajjar continues to insist on dividing the case and removing political figures from Bitar’s jurisdiction, a stance that Bitar rejects.

The accused political and judicial figures, for their part, are united in their refusal to appear before Bitar, arguing that doing so would be an acknowledgment of his legitimacy. This widespread resistance is indicative of the challenges Bitar faces as he navigates the complex political and judicial landscape.

The Shadow of Ghassan Oueidate

A key factor complicating Bitar’s efforts is the continued influence of Ghassan Oueidate, who filed charges against Bitar for overstepping his authority. Despite his retirement, Oueidate’s decisions continue to shape the actions of the Public Prosecution Office. Sources report that Hajjar has refused to assist Bitar in delivering summonses for the accused, citing the fact that Bitar is being pursued for abuse of power. As a result, Hajjar appears to be following in Oueidate's footsteps, refusing to overturn the latter’s decision to prevent Bitar from submitting any documents or files to the Public Prosecution Office.

The refusal to cooperate with Bitar has made it increasingly difficult for the lead investigator to take judicial action against those implicated in the case, particularly in the absence of the judicial police’s support. If the interrogation sessions proceed as scheduled in February, it will be challenging for Bitar to take further legal action against the accused, as the Public Prosecution Office has refused to implement measures like arrest warrants. This means that Hajjar, like Oueidate before him, is effectively bound by decisions that continue to hinder the investigation.

As the investigation into the Beirut Port explosion progresses into a new phase, it remains to be seen whether Judge Bitar can overcome these ongoing obstacles and bring those responsible for the tragedy to justice. The case has become emblematic of the deep divisions and political tensions that continue to plague Lebanon’s judicial and political systems. Only time will tell whether Bitar’s persistence will ultimately lead to accountability for one of Lebanon’s most devastating disasters.