Hammoud Tasks Judges to Probe Radioactive Material

State Prosecutor Judge Samir Hammoud tasked on Tuesday Judge Sabouh Suleiman with investigating the alleged presence of radioactive material in goods imported to Lebanon, the state-run National News Agency reported.

NNA said that Suleiman would inquire the customs over the failure to report to the general prosecutor's office about the suspicious material at Rafik Hariri International Airport and Beirut Port.

Hammoud also asked Beirut Judge Ziad Abou Haidar and Mount Lebanon Judge Claude Karam to carry out - each within his own jurisdiction - an “immediate investigation” into the case, the agency added.

Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil revealed on Monday that the authorities have seized radioactive and poisonous material in industrial and kitchen items at the airport and port.

He called for returning the goods and said the companies importing such products, which include food, drugs, production equipment and cutlery, will be held accountable.

Khalil vowed to follow up the issue with the involved ministers and the judiciary.

G.K.

H.K.