Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun assured that the pursuit of justice is underway, marking five years since the devastating explosion at Beirut’s port that resulted in over 220 fatalities and left more than 6,500 individuals injured. The catastrophic incident in August 2020, deemed one of the world’s largest non-nuclear blasts, was triggered by a fire in a warehouse storing tons of ammonium nitrate fertilizer that had been negligently kept for years despite prior warnings to authorities.
President Aoun affirmed the state’s unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth, emphasizing that all individuals, regardless of their stature, are subject to the law. He reassured the families of victims that their losses will not be forgotten, asserting that justice and accountability will prevail.
Following a two-year hiatus due to political and legal obstacles, investigating judge Tarek Bitar has completed the interrogation of defendants and suspects. Bitar is currently awaiting the conclusion of necessary procedures and responses from various Arab and European nations concerning specific incidents to finalize the investigation. The file will subsequently be forwarded to the public prosecution for review before an indictment decision is reached.
President Aoun emphasized the government’s dedication to ensuring transparent and thorough investigations, while Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, a former International Court of Justice judge, stressed the national significance of uncovering the truth and holding accountable those responsible. Judge Bitar resumed his inquiry under the new leadership, upholding judicial independence, following a shift in power dynamics post the recent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
Despite obstacles and attempts by officials to evade responsibility, Mariana Fodoulian, representing the victims’ families, affirmed their steadfast pursuit of truth and comprehensive justice. The families have persistently advocated for the preservation of the port’s damaged wheat silos as a poignant reminder of the tragedy, with Culture Minister Ghassan Salame confirming their inclusion on the list of historical landmarks.