AMMAN, Reuters – Lebanon’s top Christian cleric declared on Sunday that his country should stop any interference in the judiciary. After the investigation into the Beirut port bombing last year came to an abrupt halt due to the latest complaints made against the head investigator.

On Monday, a former minister was wanted to question the suspect. A case was filed questioning impartiality of the judge.

Following a public smear campaign against Judge Tarek Bitar by Lebanon’s political elite, Bitar was warned by senior officials of Iran-backed Hezbollah that Bitar would be fired.

Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros Al-Rai was sharply critical about Hezbollah in Sunday’s sermon. He said that Bitar’s political pressure would weaken the judiciary, and may put international aid to Lebanon at risk.

Al Rai stated that “we cannot insist upon the investigation of the port crime, and not support both the investigating judge & the judiciary.”

He said, “It is true that the government shouldn’t interfere in the judiciary. But it is its duty to intervene in order to stop any meddling with the affairs of judiciary.”

A large quantity of ammonium-nitrate, stored in unsafe conditions for years, caused the Beirut Port blast on Aug. 4, 2020. It killed more than 200 people, but no one was held responsible after a year.

Bitar is the second judge who has had his investigation thwarted by strong factions in Lebanon. They are responsible for economic collapse, systemic corruption and gridlock.

In February, Judge Fadi sawan was the last to head the probe. This followed a similar legal complaint which questioned his impartiality to that that is now preventing the investigation from proceeding.

Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, a leader of Hezbollah, accused Bitar last month of being biased and playing politics. However, he said that he wasn’t calling for Bitar’s immediate expulsion. Later, it was reported that Bitar had been threatened by a senior member of the group.

Sources close to the justice ministry said that the courts were investigating the threat. Hezbollah officials, as well the justice minister, could not be reached to comment.

Najib Mikati, Prime Minister of Pakistan said that Bitar was his favorite candidate and stated that security measures had been taken in response to threats. However, he said the investigation would be frozen as it was a matter for the courts.