The National News Agency in Lebanon reported that the investigating judge in the Beirut port explosion case issued an absentee arrest warrant on Thursday against former Public Works Minister Youssef Fenianos after he failed to attend a scheduled interrogation session. Fenianos, a Hezbollah ally, has been sanctioned by the United States for his ties to the group, which Washington classifies as a terrorist organization.
The explosion resulted in hundreds of deaths, thousands of injuries, and widespread destruction in the city; however, more than a year later, no high-ranking officials have been held accountable, leading to the outrage of many Lebanese citizens.
Judge Tarek Bitar, the judicial investigator in the massive explosion, had previously issued a summons for former Prime Minister Hassan Diab and other senior officials, including former Public Works Minister Fenianos, who was charged with negligence by former investigating judge Fadi Sawan. All have denied any wrongdoing.
Investigations have repeatedly stalled after the court dismissed Judge Sawan in February at the request of former ministers Ali Hassan Khalil and Ghazi Zeaiter, who were also accused of negligence leading to the disaster.
Former Prime Minister Diab is scheduled for questioning on September 20, although it remains unclear if Diab, who has been in the United States since last Tuesday, will return for the session. Diab could not be reached for comment. Bitar had issued a summons for Diab on August 26 after he failed to attend an interrogation.
On Thursday, the families of the victims protested outside the courthouse in Beirut, blocking the road in frustration over the lack of progress in the investigation. Victim representative Ibrahim Hoteit told local TV channel MTV, "We will begin taking non-peaceful steps."
