Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, Margaret Satterthwaite, denounced the "unjustified delays that prevented the achievement of justice for those affected by the Beirut port explosion," citing what she described as the numerous interferences in the investigation and the threat to the investigating judge. According to a UN news release, a copy of which we received via e-mail, the independent UN expert said she was deeply disturbed by reports that former Lebanese state officials and others involved in the case had "disingenuously resorted to impeachment and other targeted appeals." against the investigative judges appointed to examine the case, which led to the replacement of the judge and the suspension of the investigation several times.”
Ms. Satterthwaite referred to reports that the Lebanese authorities had refused judicial requests to lift parliamentary immunity and to allow security officials to be questioned. The government also failed to implement arrest warrants against former ministers, and so far no one has been prosecuted for the August 4, 2020 bombing, which left 218 dead, 7,000 injured, and 300,000 displaced.

Threats and defamation campaigns
The Special Rapporteur said that Judge Tariq Al-Bitar, who was appointed to lead the investigation in February 2021, faced increasing obstacles and threats to carry out his work.
Two days after announcing his resumption of work in late January of this year, the judge was accused of committing several crimes, including "violating authority," and he was banned from traveling. This is in addition to a number of petitions that have been filed with the intention of removing him from the case, "and there is an ongoing campaign on television and social media to discredit him", according to Ms Satterthwaite.
It added that the judge had reportedly received credible death threats and was currently under military protection.
"Judge Al-Bitar must have the security he needs to perform his work. I urge the Lebanese authorities to ensure that these threats are investigated, and that the judge, his colleagues and his family are adequately protected," the bulletin said.
The UN expert stressed that judges should never be threatened or subjected to criminal or disciplinary action "just for doing their job". It also urged the Lebanese authorities to take immediate steps to protect the independence and impartiality of the investigation and to ensure that those responsible for the blast are held accountable.
Ms. Satterthwaite said those affected by the blast "have a fundamental right to the protection of the law and effective remedies" after two years of searching for justice, emphasizing that this can only be achieved "if the independence of the judiciary is upheld." The bulletin concluded by saying, "It is noteworthy that the special rapporteurs and independent experts are appointed by the Human Rights Council in Geneva, which is an intergovernmental body responsible for the promotion and protection of human rights around the world. The rapporteurs and experts are mandated to study human rights situations and submit reports on them to the Human Rights Council. It should be noted that Even though these positions are ceremonial, these experts are not considered employees of the United Nations and do not receive remuneration for their work.