Lebanon’s Military Judiciary Takes Over Investigations Into Port Explosion

 A man is seen at the site of Tuesday's blast in Beirut's port area, Lebanon August 8, 2020. REUTERS/Hannah McKay/File Photo
A man is seen at the site of Tuesday's blast in Beirut's port area, Lebanon August 8, 2020. REUTERS/Hannah McKay/File Photo
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Lebanon’s Military Judiciary Takes Over Investigations Into Port Explosion

 A man is seen at the site of Tuesday's blast in Beirut's port area, Lebanon August 8, 2020. REUTERS/Hannah McKay/File Photo
A man is seen at the site of Tuesday's blast in Beirut's port area, Lebanon August 8, 2020. REUTERS/Hannah McKay/File Photo

The Military Court received the investigation case in the Beirut port explosion to conduct interrogations and issue arrest warrants against the suspects, until a forensic investigator is appointed over the matter and the case is returned to the Judicial Council.

In parallel, the State Prosecution gave instructions to the security forces to handover the detainees who are held pending investigation, to be referred to the Government Commissioner to the Military Court, Judge Fadi Akiki, to press charges against them and refer them to the Military Investigation Judge for questioning.

Sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the military court received the case and that Akiki began studying the preliminary investigations and would press charges against the detainees and all the individuals who would be found involved, whether premeditatedly or due to their negligence.

Judicial sources also told Asharq Al-Awsat that the military judiciary investigations were temporary until a judicial investigator is appointed after the resigned government decided to refer the case to the Judicial Council.

While sources believed that the referral to the Judicial Council was aimed at blocking the way to the demands for an international investigation committee, which is rejected by the President Michel Aoun and Hezbollah, other observers noted that the Council taking over the issue would mean that the case was a “threat to the country’s internal security a disruption of civil peace.”



Khamenei Urges Iraq’s PM to Strengthen Popular Mobilization Forces

Sudani and Pezeshkian hold a joint press conference in Tehran. (Iranian presidency)
Sudani and Pezeshkian hold a joint press conference in Tehran. (Iranian presidency)
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Khamenei Urges Iraq’s PM to Strengthen Popular Mobilization Forces

Sudani and Pezeshkian hold a joint press conference in Tehran. (Iranian presidency)
Sudani and Pezeshkian hold a joint press conference in Tehran. (Iranian presidency)

Iran and Iraq have acknowledged Syria as a shared concern and called for preserving its territorial integrity and working together to establish security and stability in the country.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei urged Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to “preserve and strengthen the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF),” describing the presence of US forces in Iraq as “illegal and contrary to the interests of the Iraqi people and government.”

During his meeting with Sudani, Khamenei said: “The indicators suggest that the Americans are seeking to solidify and expand their presence in Iraq, and this occupation must be firmly opposed.”

He further emphasized the importance of “unity and harmony among Iraq’s diverse sectarian and ethnic groups.”

Khamenei’s remarks came as he held discussions with Sudani on regional developments, including the situation in Syria and the removal of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

According to Khamenei’s official website, Sudani expressed satisfaction with the talks in Tehran and hoped that the “negotiations and agreements signed would enhance and deepen the relationship between the two nations.”

He reiterated Iraq’s consistent stance of supporting “the will of the Syrian people, safeguarding its independence and territorial integrity, and working towards forming an inclusive government.”

Earlier on Wednesday, Sudani met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian

to discuss regional developments and to expand bilateral cooperation in various fields.

In a joint press conference, Pezeshkian described Iraq as a key partner for Iran, stating: “We are pleased that relations between the two countries are at their highest levels, with cooperation expanding day by day.”

“Iran constantly strives for peace, stability, and development in the region. The security, growth, and welfare of the Iraqi people are of great importance to Iran,” he added.

The Iranian president noted that the two nations share concerns regarding Syria, including its stability, territorial unity, combating terrorist groups, the removal of Israeli influence from occupied areas, and the protection of Shiite religious sites.

He stressed that the resurgence of terrorism and the reactivation of terrorist cells remain a shared threat, making collaboration and vigilance between Iraq and Iran more crucial than ever.

During his visit, Sudani reiterated Iraq’s respect for “the will of the Syrian people” and its support for “any political or constitutional system they choose without foreign interference.”

He also expressed Iraq’s readiness to cooperate with all parties to facilitate a peaceful transition in Syria that reflects the people’s aspirations.

Sudani landed in Tehran on Wednesday for an official one-day visit. Upon his arrival at Mehrabad Airport in western Tehran, he was received by Iranian Minister of Economy Abdolnasser Hemmati.