Lebanese Judge Issues Warrant for Ex-Minister Over Port Blast

Damaged buildings following a large explosion at the Port of Beirut in 2020. Photographer: Hasan Shaaban/Bloomberg
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The investigator leading the probe into last year’s devastating blast at Beirut port issued an arrest warrant Tuesday against a former minister charged in the case, escalating a dispute that’s seen major political parties, including the powerful Iranian-backed Hezbollah, demand his removal.

Former Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil failed to show up for a scheduled questioning session, prompting the investigator, Tareq Bitar, to issue an arrest warrant in absentia, the state-run National News Agency reported.