Lebanon to release detainees linked to Beirut port explosion

BEIRUT, Lebanon

The Lebanese Court of Cassation decided Wednesday to release those who were arrested in the Beirut port explosion in 2020.

Public Prosecutor of Cassation Judge Ghassan Oueidat issued a document that said "all those arrested in the port explosion case will be released with the condition of restricting their travel.”

“The decision comes at a time when the judicial investigator, Judge Tarek Bitar, considered himself empowered by the Public Prosecutor to take whatever measures he deems appropriate."

Bitar resumed an inquiry Monday into the deadly blast after a 13-month suspension because of political resistance to his attempts to interrogate top officials.

He decided to question Prosecutor-General Ghassan Oueidat, according to media reports.

But Oueidat refused to be summoned, claiming Tuesday that Bitar "has no jurisdiction."

“This will be an unprecedented move in Lebanon’s judicial history,” a judicial source told Anadolu on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

Beirut was rocked by a massive explosion Aug. 4, 2020 that killed more than 200 Lebanese and injured 6,500. About 50,000 housing units suffered damage, with property damage estimated at about $15 billion.

*Ikram Imane Kouachi contributed to this report