Lebanon’s parliament approves army’s broad state of emergency powers

Aug 13, 2020

Lebanon’s parliament granted a broad set of powers to the government today, approving a state of emergency in the aftermath of the deadly Beirut blast. 

The day after the explosion, Lebanon’s Cabinet declared a two-week state of emergency, which after eight days was subject to parliamentary approval. Authorized by the parliament today, the state of emergency is set to end Aug. 21 but can be renewed. 

The army has extensive powers over civilian affairs under the order, including the ability to set curfews, censor media, ban public gatherings, make house arrests and prosecute civilians in military court for “crimes related to breach of security.” 

Last week’s deadly explosion of ammonium nitrate in the Lebanese capital killed at least 172 people and injured over 6,000. Several dozens of people are still missing. 

The government has said it will hold to account those responsible for improperly storing a stockpile of the explosive ammonium nitrate for six years at Beirut’s port. But protesters put the blame squarely on Lebanon’s ruling elite.