From Investigation to Administration: Accused in Beirut Port Explosion at the Helm of Lebanese Customs

The decision of the Lebanese Cabinet, in its last session on Thursday, to appoint Gracia Qazzi as the Director General of Customs has sparked a wave of political, public, and judicial controversy, especially on social media.

This appointment comes at a time when Qazzi is still being prosecuted by the investigative judge, Judge Tarek Bitar, in the case of the Beirut Port explosion in 2020.

Qazzi, who was one of the official employees required to be investigated in the case of the dangerous shipment of ammonium nitrate, is currently under judicial pursuit, but she has not yet been convicted.

She has also previously been subjected to investigations related to receiving bribes and money laundering.

* Victims' Families Condemn

The families of the explosion victims expressed their strong anger and condemnation of the decision, considering it a disregard for the blood of the victims and a blow to the principle of justice and the separation of powers.

William Noun, brother of Joe Noun, one of the victims of the explosion, described the decision as a "grave mistake" and confirmed that the families will organize a protest in front of the government palace next Monday to pressure Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to prevent the signing of the appointment decree, with the possibility of requesting a meeting with him.

Noun indicated that the victims' families will pressure in all directions until the investigations are completed and the indictment is issued, considering that appointing Qazzi to such a sensitive position is legally and morally wrong.

* Legal Perspective

On the other hand, lawyer Shukri Haddad, a member of the prosecution office in the Bar Association concerned with the explosion case, confirmed that the appointment decision is entirely legal and there is nothing preventing the Cabinet from making it.

However, he pointed out that the government has discretionary authority that allows it to take national sentiment into account and not issue this decision at this sensitive stage.

Haddad added: "Qazzi is under criminal prosecution legally, but she is not yet convicted."

* Near Issuance of Indictment

After five years since the port explosion, observers expect investigative judge Tarek Bitar to soon announce the conclusion of investigations and issue the indictment, despite the judicial and political barriers that have attempted to hinder his pursuit of the case.

Bitar continues to investigate ministers, deputies, and senior security officials suspected of involvement in the explosion that resulted in the deaths of more than 200 people and injured thousands more.