Nassar says indictment in Beirut port blast case expected by October

Lebanon's investigation into the Beirut port blast has reached a stage that could lead to indictments by the end of October, Justice Minister Adel Nassar said Monday.

Judge Tarek Bitar, who is investigating the explosion, has completed his work and referred the case file to the Public Prosecutor's Office for review. That referral clears the way for the next step in the legal process.

"We expect this stage to be completed during or towards the end of October, a crucial step towards uncovering the truth and achieving justice in one of the most painful cases for the Lebanese people," Nassar wrote on X.

“

We expect this stage to be completed during or towards the end of October, a crucial step towards uncovering the truth and achieving justice in one of the most painful cases for the Lebanese people.

He added that judicial independence and adherence to legal procedures would be essential to establishing the truth and holding those responsible accountable.

The blast on Aug. 4, 2020, killed more than 220 people and injured more than 6,500. It also destroyed large areas of the capital. Lebanese authorities have said the explosion began with a fire in a warehouse where tons of ammonium nitrate fertilizer had been stored haphazardly for years, despite repeated warnings to senior officials.

“

The independence of the judiciary and respect for legal procedures are the guarantees for reaching the truth and holding those responsible accountable.