Khalil to Al-Mayadeen: Port Investigation is Politicized

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In an exclusive interview for Al-Mayadeen, MP Ali Hassan Khalil, the political assistant to the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, stated that the judicial method practiced by Judicial Investigator Tariq Bitar "is unlawful and surpasses many of the protocols that must be followed."

Regarding the arrest order filed against him, Khalil stated that it was prepared in advance, confirming the existence of "ill intentions," adding that "posting it through the media before we were acknowledged is considered a scandal".

Khalil denounced the decision of the investigator, considering it an allegation that does not correspond in any way to the reality of the crime. 

On the topic of Judge Bitar, the MP voiced his discontent with his quest for justice, citing that "Judge Bitar has the right to a political opinion as a citizen, but as a judge, he is responsible for achieving justice." 

Khalil accused the judicial investigator of meeting a foreign delegation minutes after issuing his arrest warrant. 

Regarding the cabinet session held on Tuesday, Khalil praised Prime Minister Najib Mikati's position.

Earlier, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the Secretary-General of Hezbollah, touched on the subject of the Beirut Port investigation, stating that the current judge handling the case, Tariq Bitar, is exploiting the victims’ blood in service of political goals as he continues the path set by his predecessor.

The Secretary-General pondered how the judge has not yet concluded who the importer of the nitrate was, viewing his approach to the investigation as erroneous and one that will not lead to the truth. He called on assigning an “honest judge” to lead the investigation.

Bitar had issued a subpoena against former Prime Minister Hassan Diab as part of the course of prosecutions in the case.

He also sent a letter to the House of Representatives through the Discriminatory Public Prosecution, requesting that former Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil, former Minister of Works Ghazi Zuaiter, and former Interior Minister Nohad al-Machnouk's parliamentary immunity be lifted to prepare for prosecution.