On Monday, Lebanon marked five years since the devastating explosion at Beirut Port that occurred on August 4, 2020, resulting in over 220 deaths.
Despite the tragedy, Lebanon’s ineffective government has yet to bring anyone to justice for the disaster. President Joseph Aoun has promised to ensure that “all responsible persons will stand trial, regardless of their position.”
The blast was triggered by nearly 3,000 tons of ammonium nitrate that had been improperly stored at the port for years. The investigation has faced significant delays due to bureaucratic obstacles and threats against investigators. It’s astonishing, really—such a dangerous material was left unattended for six years, and since then, no criminal charges have been filed.
There’s been speculation around the involvement of Hezbollah, a powerful political faction in Lebanon, but the group seems uninterested in accountability or cooperating with investigations.
Aoun emphasized the importance of uncovering the truth, stating that “justice makes no exceptions,” reflecting on the explosion’s considerable impact on both the Lebanese people and the international community.
“Your loved one’s blood will not go unavenged,” Aoun assured families of the victims, vowing that justice and accountability are on the horizon.
In Beirut, hundreds gathered on Monday, demanding justice. Survivors and families of the deceased held portraits of victims while names of the dead were displayed prominently on screens.
Some attendees expressed disappointment at the smaller turnout this year, fearing that hope for justice is waning among the Lebanese. Back in 2021, the initial investigation saw major protests, but now, the crowds seem diminished.
“Unity is key; without it, we won’t move forward. Justice won’t happen without solidarity,” stated two young marchers, highlighting the collective suffering experienced by many.
One participant lamented the smaller turnout, recalling his father’s loss in the explosion and urging him not to lose hope in the pursuit of truth.
“Why are we still here five years later?” asked an emotional brother of a deceased firefighter, expressing frustration at the lack of progress.
Many prominent ministers, including those from Hezbollah, participated in the march, denying any interference in the investigation and expressing their commitment to truth, much like others.
Reports from outside entities have revealed extensive evidence of misconduct among officials, pointing to systemic corruption and mismanagement prior to the explosion. Human Rights Watch noted that senior officials failed to convey the dangers posed by the ammonium nitrate, which was stored recklessly.
While some officials named in the investigation have refused to cooperate, citing claims of “parliamentary immunity,” others have turned a blind eye to warrants issued by the judiciary.
With Aoun’s term coming to an end, some Lebanese citizens harbor hopes that his exit might spark renewed efforts for justice, especially as he assumed office promising to uphold the rule of law and tackle corruption.
Reports surfaced that Chief Judge Tarek Bitar has started questioning defendants again after the investigation had been stalled multiple times due to political interference.
A judicial source indicated that Bitar is awaiting information from various countries to progress the investigation and potentially file charges.
The probe saw renewed activity as Hezbollah faced setbacks in its own conflicts, allowing Aoun to focus on the investigation more intently.
Culture Minister Ghassan Salame recently announced plans to preserve the partially destroyed wheat silos at Beirut Port as a historic site, which some view as a positive step towards Aoun’s promises for justice.
Yet, skepticism remains. Amnesty International stated recently that the investigation is still lacking conclusive results despite being revitalized earlier this year. They underscored the necessity for a comprehensive inquiry that decisively identifies all responsible parties, both locally and internationally, highlighting that many lives were compromised due to gross negligence.
