MPs Stall Lifting Immunity in Beirut Port Blast Probe

MPs Stall Lifting Immunity in Beirut Port Blast Probe

A man who lost his son during last year's massive blast at Beirut's seaport, shouts slogans as he is pushed back by a Lebanese army soldier after he tries with others to reach the tightly-secured residence of parliament speaker Nabih Berri, in Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, July 9, 2021. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

Lebanon's parliament on Friday held up an investigation into last year's Beirut port blast, demanding more proof before lifting the immunity of ex-ministers wanted for questioning.

Earlier this month, the lead judge in the case, Tareq Bitar, said he had demanded that parliament lift the immunity of ex-finance minister Ali Hassan Khalil, former public works minister Ghazi Zoaiter and ex-interior minister Nohad al-Mashnouq.

Bitar said he was looking at possible charges of "probable intent to murder" and "negligence".

Hundreds of tons of ammonium nitrate exploded on the dockside at Beirut port on Aug. 4, killing more than 200 people, injuring thousands and ravaging swathes of the capital.

Afterwards, it emerged that officials had known about the explosive substance being stored unsafely at the port for years.

Deputy speaker Elie Ferzli said Friday parliament's administration and justice committee met on Friday and decided to "request all evidence available in the investigation, as well as all documents