The Lebanese authorities on Monday decided to extend the state of emergency imposed because of the explosion in the port for another month-until September 18, according to a statement distributed by the Lebanese media, the Secretary-General of the Lebanese government, judge Mahmoud Makiya.
"After the decree of 07.08.2020 on the Declaration of a state of emergency in Beirut for two weeks - from August 4 to August 18, with the possibility of extension, given the current situation, which requires the extension of the emergency regime, it was decided, based on the consent of the President and the Prime Minister of the Republic, to extend the state of emergency and appropriate measures until September 18, 2020, inclusive," the message reads.
A powerful explosion occurred near the port of Beirut on August 4. Hundreds of homes and cars were destroyed or damaged, and some buildings were completely destroyed. According to the authorities, the cause was the detonation of 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate, confiscated by customs in 2014 and stored in a warehouse. More than 178 people were killed. The capital of Lebanon is recognized as a disaster area, and a state of emergency has been declared in the city for two weeks.
Earlier, the chief prosecutor of Lebanon, Ghassan Oueidat, said that after the explosion in Beirut, criminal cases were opened for 25 people. The list includes, in particular, port Director-General Hasan Kreitem, customs Director-General Badri Daher and his predecessor Shafiq Meri.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Creative Commons
Based on materials from RIA Novosti