Chile detains Interpol-wanted Portuguese man over Beirut blast
Chilean police arrested a Portuguese man wanted by Interpol for allegedly bringing into Lebanon "explosive materials" linked to the explosion in Beirut Port in 2020.
Chilean police said yesterday, Wednesday, that they had apprehended a Portuguese individual wanted by Interpol in connection with the 2020 Beirut port explosion, which killed more than 200 people.
According to the police statement, the unidentified individual arrived in Santiago by plane from Spain before being returned to Madrid on another plane, according to the police statement.
Christian Saez, a Santiago airport police official, said the man is wanted for allegedly carrying into Lebanon "explosive materials" is connected to the catastrophic blast that hit Beirut port and caused extensive damage across the Lebanese capital.
Read more: “Truth Uncovered": Al Mayadeen's Exclusive Documentary on Beirut Port Blast
"In coordination with Interpol, the man was prevented from entering Chile, and later returned on a plane to Spain," he added.
A few days ago, approximately two years after being injured in the explosion in the port of Beirut, another victim died.
#Lebanon
— Rula El Halabi (@Rulaelhalabi) April 19, 2022
A new soul joined the #BeirutBlast victims today
Rami Said Fawaz, 48 years, father of 2 children (3 & 5 years) who was seriously injured succumbed to his injuries after 623 days.
His Facebook pic was in solidarity with the #BeirutBlast victims😞
Total death toll hit 232 pic.twitter.com/Gy7cheb5HG
The explosion in the port of Beirut on August 4, 2020, which the authorities attributed to storing large quantities of ammonium nitrate without preventive measures, killed at least 214 people and injured more than 6,500 others, in addition to extensive destruction in the capital.
Read more: Al Mayadeen's Exclusive Truth Uncovered: Beirut Port Blast Part II
The victims' families and friends organize frequent vigils to demand accountability for those involved, at a time when the investigation doesn't near any results, due to the response requests submitted by the accused (former MPs and ministers) against the judicial investigator, Tariq Al-Bitar, which led to the investigation being halted months ago.