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Michel Aoun faces requested criminal charges in Beirut port explosion probe
Lebanese Prosecutor Mohammad Saab has submitted a formal report to investigating judge Tarek Bitar, requesting that criminal charges be filed against former President Michel Aoun regarding the 2020 Beirut port explosion.
The 260-page report alleges that Aoun had prior knowledge of the presence and extreme danger of the ammonium nitrate stored at the port but failed to take necessary precautions or refer the matter to the Supreme Defense Council. This development marks a critical turning point in the investigation, which has been stalled for years due to political immunity and legal challenges.
The prosecutor’s findings implicate more than 70 individuals, including former and current political figures, security officials, and military leaders. Judge Bitar is expected to review the prosecutor’s demands and may issue an indictment, potentially before the end of the year. The 2020 disaster, caused by the detonation of 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate, killed over 200 people and injured more than 6,500.
Entities
Beirut port · Lebanon · Michel Aoun · Mohammad Saab · Tarek Bitar
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Michel Aoun had prior knowledge of the ammonium nitrate and its danger. www.sahafi.jo · www.ultimahora.com · www.la-croix.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The explosion killed over 200 people and injured more than 6,500. www.ultimahora.com · www.la-croix.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The report names more than 70 individuals for potential prosecution. www.sahafi.jo · www.la-croix.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The prosecutor requested charges against former President Michel Aoun. www.sahafi.jo · www.ultimahora.com · www.la-croix.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Michel Aoun failed to refer the matter to the Supreme Defense Council. www.sahafi.jo · www.ultimahora.com · www.la-croix.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The investigation has been delayed by political and legal disputes. www.la-croix.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Prosecutor Mohammad Saab submitted a report to Judge Tarek Bitar. dailynewslb.com · www.sahafi.jo · www.la-croix.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Judge Tarek Bitar is expected to issue an indictment before the end of the year. dailynewslb.com