Image: JOSEPH EID (AFP)
The High Court in London ruled that a chemical company must assume liability for the victims, as announced by Lebanon’s bar association on Thursday. The judges found it proven that the UK-based company called Savaro shipped large quantities of ammonium nitrate to the Mediterranean country.
The highly explosive chemical, which has been stored in the port of Beirut for years without protective measures, is said to have caused the explosion. For the relatives of the victims, it is the first legal success in the matter. Because in Lebanon itself, the investigations are making little progress. Accused ex-ministers and those responsible from the judiciary have been delaying the investigation process for a long time. Many Lebanese blame the political leadership for the catastrophe, which they accuse, among other things, of corruption and a cover-up.
The Lebanese Bar Association had sought the civil action in London on behalf of several relatives. The plaintiffs hope that the verdict will give impetus to further processes. In the course of the proceedings, the London judges now want to set a compensation amount for the victims, according to the Bar Association. In order to avoid a fine, officials at the company had reportedly tried unsuccessfully to disband Savaro. The group initially did not comment on the court decision.
The explosion in Beirut in August 2020 killed more than 190 people and injured around 6,000. The detonation also destroyed large parts of the port and the surrounding residential areas.
Source: Nachrichten
