Post by : Saif Rahman

A Bulgarian court has rejected Lebanon's request to extradite Russian businessman Igor Grechushkin, connected to the devastating 2020 Beirut port explosion. This ruling stemmed from Lebanon's inability to provide robust guarantees that Grechushkin would not face the death penalty upon his return.

Residing in Cyprus, Grechushkin owned the vessel responsible for transporting the ammonium nitrate that exploded in Beirut on August 4, 2020, resulting in over 220 casualties and widespread destruction. He was apprehended in Bulgaria in September after Lebanon listed him on Interpol’s wanted notices.

Following a closed-door hearing, Grechushkin’s attorney, Ekaterina Dimitrova, informed the media that the court was not assured that Lebanon could ensure her client’s safety from capital punishment. She indicated that Lebanon failed to provide definitive evidence against the imposition of such a sentence.

However, Bulgarian prosecutor Angel Kanev expressed his disagreement with the ruling, announcing intentions to appeal. He claimed that Lebanon’s senior judicial authorities—including the justice minister and the Supreme Court—had already issued necessary reassurances, asserting that these should suffice for extradition proceedings.

The investigation into the Beirut explosion has been marred by delays and political interference, with victim families alleging that influential leaders are obstructing accountability for those responsible. The original judge assigned to the case was dismissed after charging high-ranking officials, and his successor, Judge Tarek Bitar, has faced resistance from politicians unwilling to cooperate.

Earlier this year, Judge Bitar resumed his inquiries and has questioned several officials, yet no formal charges have emerged thus far. Families continue to seek justice, insisting the truth must ultimately prevail, irrespective of the lengthy process.

This refusal from the Bulgarian court complicates a case already hindered by legal and political challenges. As the appeal unfolds, the families in Lebanon persist in their quest for accountability regarding one of the country’s most catastrophic disasters.

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