Public Actions
Judicial investigator appointed to Beirut blast probe
Date:
Thursday, August 13, 2020
The Higher Judicial Council Thursday confirmed caretaker Justice Minister Marie-Claude Najm’s third pick for the role of judicial investigator in the Beirut blast probe, paving the way for the investigation to start in earnest.
Military Investigative Judge Fadi Sawan will now lead the internal Lebanese investigation, identifying lines of inquiry and calling in whomever is deemed necessary to establish the facts around the explosion that killed more than 171 people and injured 6,000 more.
The judge also has the power to accuse and detain suspects over the long term. Authorities can only legally hold suspects for a maximum of four days unless the judicial investigator orders their extended detention.
Acting Bodies:
Judicial bodies (cassation courts, constitutional council, military courts…)
Type:
Judicial Decisions
Categories:
Social rights (women’s rights, human rights...)
Impact:
National
Status:
Approved/ Ratified
Civil Society Response:
Not applicable