Summary
A court in Bulgaria has denied Lebanon’s request to extradite Igor Grechushkin, wanted in connection with the 2020 Beirut port explosion. The court said Lebanon did not provide enough assurance that Grechushkin would not face the death penalty if extradited.
Key Facts
- Igor Grechushkin is wanted for his alleged connection to the 2020 Beirut port explosion.
- The explosion killed at least 218 people and injured around 6,500 others.
- The blast caused massive damage in Beirut and left tens of thousands homeless.
- Grechushkin, a Russian-Cypriot, was detained in Bulgaria in September.
- Bulgaria's court ruled against extradition due to concerns about the death penalty.
- The decision can be appealed within seven days.
- Lebanese authorities blame the explosion on a fire igniting improperly stored ammonium nitrate.
- In Lebanon, investigations have been stalled, and no senior officials have been held accountable.
