Berri headed a parliament session today where they approved a two-week state of emergency imposed by the government. While people are still looking for their loved ones and cleaning the rubble, the authorities are finding new ways to suppress resurgent protests. How is that? What does "the state of emergency" means and what power does it give to the Army in Beirut? The Legal Agenda explains it: - Expand jurisdiction of the military court over…

It's been one week now since the worst disaster in Lebanon's history, and we still haven't heard a word regarding the ongoing investigation. Every day, we're hearing a new story regarding the 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate but what we know so far is that a LOT of people knew about it. 1- President Michel Aoun received a report by the General Directorate of State Security on July 20, which he escalated to the concerned…

The Lebanese President and the government announced almost a week ago now an investigation to determine within FIVE DAYS MAX the exact cause of the explosion and "who was responsible", and they've refused so far categorically asking foreign parties to hold an external investigation. Yesterday was the deadline and we still haven't heard a word from the Prime Minister or President, and chances are we won't be hearing anything any time soon if they start…