Six years on, families of those killed in huge Lebanon port blast hope for justice at last
BEIRUT, Aug 4 (Reuters) - Lebanon on Tuesday marked the sixth year since a deadly blast at Beirut port, with victims and Lebanese officials expressing a renewed but cautious hope that justice could finally be served over one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history. The blast on August 4, 2020, which killed more than 200 people and destroyed swathes of the capital, was thought to have…
Six years have passed since the devastating Beirut port explosion, yet the pursuit of justice for the victims continues to be hindered. Despite implicating several high-ranking political and security figures, no one has been held accountable for what is considered one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history. The blast, occurring on August 4, 2020, resulted in the deaths of at least 220 people, injuries to thousands, and widespread destruction in the Lebanese capital.
Approximately 3,000 tonnes of improperly stored ammonium nitrate, identified as potentially explosive, were stored in Hangar 12 at the port for years despite numerous warnings to authorities.
In July 2020, Lebanon's State Security sent a report to then President Michel Aoun and then Prime Minister Hassan Diab, warning that the ammonium nitrate could be used to make explosives. Both officials later admitted to receiving this warning. The judge overseeing the investigation, Tarek Bitar, has faced repeated delays, forcing him to pause proceedings multiple times, and the prosecutor's office is currently reviewing the extensive documentation submitted in March.
The Beirut Bar Association lamented the ongoing delays and the early assurances of a swift justice, emphasizing that the path to justice has proven to be arduous and prolonged.
Every fourth day since the explosion, families of the victims have gathered for vigils at the port entrance, demanding justice. On Tuesday, two demonstrations were planned at the port entrance to observe a minute's silence at 6:07 PM, the exact time of the blast six years ago. The government of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, formed in early 2025, has reiterated that justice remains a top priority.
Justice Minister Adel Nassar pledged that "the Lebanese people deserve the truth" and vowed that "no one will be spared accountability, not even officials of high rank."
The investigation has implicated about 70 people, including former senior ministers and security chiefs, highlighting the prevalence of corruption and negligence within Lebanon's political and judicial systems.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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