Bulgarian Court Blocks Extradition of Russian Businessman Over Beirut Blast

A Bulgarian court has denied Lebanon's extradition request for Russian shipowner Igor Grechushkin, linked to the 2020 Beirut port explosion. The court cited inadequate security guarantees against possible death penalty execution from Lebanon. Lebanese authorities plan to appeal, while investigations remain sluggish amidst political interference.

A Bulgarian court has refused Lebanon's extradition request for Igor Grechushkin, a Russian shipowner connected to the 2020 Beirut port blast. The court cited Lebanon's failure to provide assurances against the imposition or execution of the death penalty as its reason for rejection.

Grechushkin, whose vessel carried the explosive materials that detonated in Beirut, was detained in Bulgaria in September 2020. Angel Kanev, the supervising prosecutor, announced his intention to appeal the court's decision, emphasizing that Lebanese authorities had offered sufficient guarantees.

The decision is a temporary victory for Grechushkin, as the Lebanese judicial system grapples with lengthy investigations hampered by political interference. Despite efforts to question officials, no preliminary indictment has been issued yet in connection to the blast that devastated Beirut.

(With inputs from agencies.)