The site of the August 4 explosion at Beirut port in December. Reuters
The site of the August 4 explosion at Beirut port in December. Reuters
Smoke rises from the site of an explosion in Beirut's port area, Lebanon on August 4, 2020. Reuters
Smoke rises from the site of an explosion in Beirut's port area, Lebanon on August 4, 2020. Reuters
Joana Dagher, 33, who lost her memory for two full months from the trauma she suffered in the massive August explosion at the Beirut port takes pictures of the explosion scene from her damaged apartment rooftop. AP
Joana Dagher, 33, who lost her memory for two full months from the trauma she suffered in the massive August explosion at the Beirut port takes pictures of the explosion scene from her damaged apartment rooftop. AP
The mental health impact of the Beirut explosion that killed more than 200 and wounded more than 6,000 continues to lay its heavy weight on those who managed to survive the day. AP
The mental health impact of the Beirut explosion that killed more than 200 and wounded more than 6,000 continues to lay its heavy weight on those who managed to survive the day. AP
A general view shows damage at the site of the blast in Beirut's port area, Lebanon. Reuters
A general view shows damage at the site of the blast in Beirut's port area, Lebanon. Reuters
A drone picture shows the destruction after the explosion in the seaport of Beirut, Lebanon. AP
A drone picture shows the destruction after the explosion in the seaport of Beirut, Lebanon. AP

Lebanon

Port officials fear years in detention without trial as Beirut blast investigation flounders

Former ministers attack investigative judge to evade judicial inquiry

  • English
  • Arabic

When Col Daoud Fayad, 42, was detained last September on charges related to the August 4 Beirut port blast, his worst fears were confirmed.

"Daoud knew that Lebanon is a corrupt country," his wife Monia told The National.

“The judge cannot go after ministers or prime ministers, so he’s going after the small fish.”

There should be more people indicted than there currently are. The problem is that the judicial system has been selective

Col Fayad is one of 25 mid to low-ranking port employees who have been imprisoned since the explosion.

They feel unfairly treated while the country’s top decision makers, who were warned many times about combustible material stored at the port, remain free.

All 25 were detained under blanket accusations that range from homicide to compromising state security.

In some cases, the accusations do not make sense. An official who started working at the port in 2018 was charged with introducing thousands of tonnes of ammonium nitrate in 2013.

The detainees will find out what exact charges they are subject to only once the investigation is over.

On August 4, the chemicals stored at the port exploded, allegedly sparked by welding work that set off fireworks stored in the same warehouse.

The blast was one of the biggest non-nuclear explosions in recent history. It tore through the capital, killing more than 200 people and destroying thousands of homes.

But six months later, accountability is still out of reach.

Colonel Daoud Fayad was detained last September. Photo supplied by family
Colonel Daoud Fayad was detained last September. Photo supplied by family

"There should be more people indicted than there are," said Omar Nashabe, a security analyst and professor at the Lebanese American University.

"The problem is that the judicial system has been selective."

Legal experts say the Lebanese judiciary is close to the country’s political class and easily caves in to its demands.

This makes the work of investigating judge Fadi Sawan, 60, highly sensitive.

Read More

Beirut blast: Six months on, families say government is burying the truth

The low-profile judge paused his work in mid-December after two former ministers that he had indicted asked the Court of Cassation to remove him from the case.

The highest court in Lebanon is reviewing their claims that Mr Sawan is not neutral. He indicted four politicians but the charges were not made public.

Chibli Mallat, a lawyer, professor and political activist who previously ran for president, said that although Mr Sawan showed “great courage” by bringing charges against high officials, justice cannot stop there. It must reach those at the very top.

Nayla El Hage and her mother. Photo supplied by family
Nayla El Hage and her mother. Photo supplied by family

“There is a long list of people who were negligent, but the Lebanese president stands on top of that list,” Mr Mallat said.

“It doesn’t make sense to arrest people down the ladder when the one person who could do something and did nothing remains scot free.”

A source close to President Michel Aoun said the leader had done his part by referring reports on the dangers of the ammonium nitrate stored at the port to the Higher Defence Council.

As politicians retreat from the investigation, the fate of the 25 detainees is unclear.

In theory, they could be held in pre-trial detention for years because they will be tried by an exceptional court called the Judicial Council, which can only be set up by the government, said Akram Maalouf, the lawyer for one of the detainees.

In the past two decades, it was formed only twice: after the assassination of former prime minister Rafik Hariri in 2005 and after intense clashes in a Palestinian camp in 2013.

The Judicial Council has exceptional powers. There is no limit to pre-trial detention and it is not possible to appeal against its verdict.

This breaches the defendants' rights of due process, Human Rights Watch said on Wednesday. Lebanon has signed up to the International Covenant for Civil and Political Rights that gives them the right to a timely hearing.

“Denying defendants due process does nothing to achieve justice for the victims of the blast,” said Aya Majzoub, Lebanon researcher at Human Rights Watch.

“An international, independent investigation as well as urgent reforms to Lebanon’s judicial processes are the best guarantee that the people will get the answers they deserve.”

The risk of indefinite detention is causing anguish among the families of the detainees.

"It's not fair for the relatives of the victims who want the truth, and it's not fair for all the innocent people arrested now," Cynthia Naddaf, 32, told The National.

Her husband Joseph established the first office of State Security at Beirut port in mid-2019.

A former member of the army’s special forces, Capt Naddaf, 34, was set the task of fighting corruption, his wife said.

Read More

Baby formula and nappies vanish in crisis hit Lebanon

Lebanese lawyers seek to halt liquidation of UK-registered company possibly linked to Beirut blast

In a report leaked to the media, he specifically said that a fire at warehouse 12 could detonate the ammonium nitrate.

The detention of Capt Naddaf angered victims of the blast.

"The officer who was blowing the whistle about the imminent danger of this material is now in jail," said Maya Ibrahimchah, founder of Beit El Baraka, an NGO that rebuilds houses destroyed by the explosion.

"What the hell is wrong with them? This is infuriating.

“Trying to accuse a few low-grade officials is not going to convince us. We will keep fighting for justice until justice is done.”

The blast damaged Ms Ibrahimchah's house and killed her sister-in-law.

But there is one detainee for whom she has little sympathy: Badri Daher, the head of Customs.

Lebanese media repeatedly highlighted his allegedly corrupt dealings. Mr Aoun blocked his dismissal twice, months after he was jailed.

General Security commander Charbel Fawaz. Photo supplied by family
General Security commander Charbel Fawaz. Photo supplied by family

Monia Fawaz, who is married to another detainee, General Security commander Charbel Fawaz, said her life was on hold.

“We have no idea what’s going on. We don’t know when he’ll get out," Ms Fawaz said. "Every request we made for him to be freed has been refused."

She said her husband was deeply depressed.

“We have a one-year-old son who started to walk and calling me 'Mamma', and Charbel is not here to witness it,” Ms Fawaz said.

Life in detention is particularly difficult for Naila El Hage, 40, a French-Lebanese engineer who worked for a company hired by the Beirut port to do technical control.

Because she is the only female detainee, she is kept in isolation.

"This would drive anyone mad,” said her brother, Fouad El Hage.

Mr El Hage said he felt the Lebanese justice system had failed his family.

"They reminded us of the days of Syrian occupation and how the regime treated those who stood in their way," he told The National, referring to the 29 years of Syrian tutelage over Lebanon that ended in 2005.

“It’s a complete disgrace.”

Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Astra%20Tech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMarch%202022%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAbdallah%20Abu%20Sheikh%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20technology%20investment%20and%20development%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%20size%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%24500m%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Company Profile

Company name: NutriCal

Started: 2019

Founder: Soniya Ashar

Based: Dubai

Industry: Food Technology

Initial investment: Self-funded undisclosed amount

Future plan: Looking to raise fresh capital and expand in Saudi Arabia

Total Clients: Over 50

The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

Real Madrid 1
Ronaldo (87')

Athletic Bilbao 1
Williams (14')

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Honeymoonish
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Elie%20El%20Samaan%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENour%20Al%20Ghandour%2C%20Mahmoud%20Boushahri%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Four-day collections of TOH

Day             Indian Rs (Dh)        

Thursday    500.75 million (25.23m)

Friday         280.25m (14.12m)

Saturday     220.75m (11.21m)

Sunday       170.25m (8.58m)

Total            1.19bn (59.15m)

(Figures in millions, approximate)

Why it pays to compare

A comparison of sending Dh20,000 from the UAE using two different routes at the same time - the first direct from a UAE bank to a bank in Germany, and the second from the same UAE bank via an online platform to Germany - found key differences in cost and speed. The transfers were both initiated on January 30.

Route 1: bank transfer

The UAE bank charged Dh152.25 for the Dh20,000 transfer. On top of that, their exchange rate margin added a difference of around Dh415, compared with the mid-market rate.

Total cost: Dh567.25 - around 2.9 per cent of the total amount

Total received: €4,670.30 

Route 2: online platform

The UAE bank’s charge for sending Dh20,000 to a UK dirham-denominated account was Dh2.10. The exchange rate margin cost was Dh60, plus a Dh12 fee.

Total cost: Dh74.10, around 0.4 per cent of the transaction

Total received: €4,756

The UAE bank transfer was far quicker – around two to three working days, while the online platform took around four to five days, but was considerably cheaper. In the online platform transfer, the funds were also exposed to currency risk during the period it took for them to arrive.

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TRAP

Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue

Director: M Night Shyamalan

Rating: 3/5

On Women's Day
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From exhibitions to the battlefield

In 2016, the Shaded Dome was awarded with the 'De Vernufteling' people's choice award, an annual prize by the Dutch Association of Consulting Engineers and the Royal Netherlands Society of Engineers for the most innovative project by a Dutch engineering firm.

It was assigned by the Dutch Ministry of Defence to modify the Shaded Dome to make it suitable for ballistic protection. Royal HaskoningDHV, one of the companies which designed the dome, is an independent international engineering and project management consultancy, leading the way in sustainable development and innovation.

It is driving positive change through innovation and technology, helping use resources more efficiently.

It aims to minimise the impact on the environment by leading by example in its projects in sustainable development and innovation, to become part of the solution to a more sustainable society now and into the future.

F1 The Movie

Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem

Director: Joseph Kosinski

Rating: 4/5

Kareem Shaheen on Canada
The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 48V hybrid

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Power: 325bhp

Torque: 450Nm

Price: Dh289,000

Dengue%20fever%20symptoms
%3Cp%3EHigh%20fever%20(40%C2%B0C%2F104%C2%B0F)%3Cbr%3ESevere%20headache%3Cbr%3EPain%20behind%20the%20eyes%3Cbr%3EMuscle%20and%20joint%20pains%3Cbr%3ENausea%3Cbr%3EVomiting%3Cbr%3ESwollen%20glands%3Cbr%3ERash%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Specs

Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request

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Live on OSN Cricket HD. Coverage starts at 5.30am

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SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20M3%20MACBOOK%20AIR%20(13%22)
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EProcessor%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Apple%20M3%2C%208-core%20CPU%2C%20up%20to%2010-core%20CPU%2C%2016-core%20Neural%20Engine%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2013.6-inch%20Liquid%20Retina%2C%202560%20x%201664%2C%20224ppi%2C%20500%20nits%2C%20True%20Tone%2C%20wide%20colour%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMemory%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208%2F16%2F24GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStorage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20256%2F512GB%20%2F%201%2F2TB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EI%2FO%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Thunderbolt%203%2FUSB-4%20(2)%2C%203.5mm%20audio%2C%20Touch%20ID%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EConnectivity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Wi-Fi%206E%2C%20Bluetooth%205.3%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2052.6Wh%20lithium-polymer%2C%20up%20to%2018%20hours%2C%20MagSafe%20charging%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECamera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201080p%20FaceTime%20HD%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EVideo%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Support%20for%20Apple%20ProRes%2C%20HDR%20with%20Dolby%20Vision%2C%20HDR10%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAudio%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204-speaker%20system%2C%20wide%20stereo%2C%20support%20for%20Dolby%20Atmos%2C%20Spatial%20Audio%20and%20dynamic%20head%20tracking%20(with%20AirPods)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EColours%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Midnight%2C%20silver%2C%20space%20grey%2C%20starlight%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIn%20the%20box%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20MacBook%20Air%2C%2030W%2F35W%20dual-port%2F70w%20power%20adapter%2C%20USB-C-to-MagSafe%20cable%2C%202%20Apple%20stickers%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh4%2C599%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

THE SPECS

Engine: Four-cylinder 2.5-litre

Transmission: Seven-speed auto

Power: 165hp

Torque: 241Nm

Price: Dh99,900 to Dh134,000

On sale: now

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How%20to%20avoid%20getting%20scammed
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Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The specs

AT4 Ultimate, as tested

Engine: 6.2-litre V8

Power: 420hp

Torque: 623Nm

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)

On sale: Now

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SPECS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202-litre%204-cylinder%20turbo%20and%203.6-litre%20V6%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeven-speed%20automatic%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20235hp%20and%20310hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E258Nm%20and%20271Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh185%2C100%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Twin-turbocharged%204-litre%20V8%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E542bhp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E770Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EEight-speed%20automatic%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh1%2C450%2C000%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
While you're here
The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPowertrain%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESingle%20electric%20motor%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E201hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E310Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESingle-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E53kWh%20lithium-ion%20battery%20pack%20(GS%20base%20model)%3B%2070kWh%20battery%20pack%20(GF)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETouring%20range%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E350km%20(GS)%3B%20480km%20(GF)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh129%2C900%20(GS)%3B%20Dh149%2C000%20(GF)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Five hymns the crowds can join in

Papal Mass will begin at 10.30am at the Zayed Sports City Stadium on Tuesday

Some 17 hymns will be sung by a 120-strong UAE choir

Five hymns will be rehearsed with crowds on Tuesday morning before the Pope arrives at stadium

‘Christ be our Light’ as the entrance song

‘All that I am’ for the offertory or during the symbolic offering of gifts at the altar

‘Make me a Channel of your Peace’ and ‘Soul of my Saviour’ for the communion

‘Tell out my Soul’ as the final hymn after the blessings from the Pope

The choir will also sing the hymn ‘Legions of Heaven’ in Arabic as ‘Assakiroo Sama’

There are 15 Arabic speakers from Syria, Lebanon and Jordan in the choir that comprises residents from the Philippines, India, France, Italy, America, Netherlands, Armenia and Indonesia

The choir will be accompanied by a brass ensemble and an organ

They will practice for the first time at the stadium on the eve of the public mass on Monday evening 

Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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MATCH INFO

Newcastle United 2 (Willems 25', Shelvey 88')

Manchester City 2 (Sterling 22', De Bruyne 82')

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THREE
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Nayla%20Al%20Khaja%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%20Jefferson%20Hall%2C%20Faten%20Ahmed%2C%20Noura%20Alabed%2C%20Saud%20Alzarooni%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%203.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Volvo ES90 Specs

Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)

Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp

Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm

On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region

Price: Exact regional pricing TBA

The Internet
Hive Mind
four stars

RESULTS

Dubai Kahayla Classic – Group 1 (PA) $750,000 (Dirt) 2,000m
Winner: Deryan, Ioritz Mendizabal (jockey), Didier Guillemin (trainer).
Godolphin Mile – Group 2 (TB) $750,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Secret Ambition, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar
Dubai Gold Cup – Group 2 (TB) $750,000 (Turf) 3,200m
Winner: Subjectivist, Joe Fanning, Mark Johnston
Al Quoz Sprint – Group 1 (TB) $1million (T) 1,200m
Winner: Extravagant Kid, Ryan Moore, Brendan Walsh
UAE Derby – Group 2 (TB) $750,000 (D) 1,900m
Winner: Rebel’s Romance, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
Dubai Golden Shaheen – Group 1 (TB) $1.5million (D) 1,200m
Winner: Zenden, Antonio Fresu, Carlos David
Dubai Turf – Group 1 (TB) $4million (T) 1,800m
Winner: Lord North, Frankie Dettori, John Gosden
Dubai Sheema Classic – Group 1 (TB) $5million (T) 2,410m
Winner: Mishriff, John Egan, John Gosden

A general guide to how active you are:

Less than 5,000 steps - sedentary

5,000 - 9,999 steps - lightly active

10,000  - 12,500 steps - active

12,500 - highly active

Lebanon