Lebanon marked a solemn day of remembrance on Friday, commemorating the victims of the devastating port blast that struck Beirut three years ago. The tragic explosion occurred on August 4, 2020, when hundreds of tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored in a warehouse detonated, resulting in the death of at least 220 people and injuring thousands more. The blast sent a massive cloud over the city, causing widespread destruction and despair.
Despite the scale of the catastrophe, there has been a distressing lack of accountability among political leaders, frustrating the official investigation. No senior figures have been held responsible, and the inquiry has faced obstacles due to legal measures, leading to outrage both within Lebanon and abroad.
Survivors and families of the victims express their frustration at the lack of progress in the investigation, feeling as though they are still stuck in the tragic events of 2020. Rita Hitti, who lost her 26-year-old son, 34-year-old brother-in-law, and 21-year-old nephew, all firefighters who responded to the fire call at the port, share the anguish of countless others who have been deeply affected by the blast.
On the anniversary, the bustling streets of Beirut were eerily empty as the nation observed a day of mourning, in contrast to the usually vibrant atmosphere that has returned to parts of the city with the rebuilding of shops and restaurants.
Amnesty International, a human rights group, decries the lack of accountability and the authorities’ efforts to undermine and obstruct the domestic investigation, perpetuating a culture of impunity in the country.
The investigation, led by Judge Tarek Bitar, has faced significant delays due to legal complaints filed against him by some of the suspects, including current and former officials.
During a memorial church service, Lebanon’s top Christian cleric, Patriarch Bechara Boutros al-Rai, supported calls for an international fact-finding committee and urged an end to interference in the blast probe. He criticized the indifference displayed by state officials, who seem more concerned with their own interests than seeking justice for the victims and their families.
The tragic blast struck Lebanon at a time when the country was already grappling with a financial crisis that began in 2019 and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The economy has further deteriorated since then, with the local currency losing 98% of its value and many families pushed into poverty.
As the third anniversary of the Beirut port blast passes, the wounds of the past still feel fresh, and the pursuit of accountability remains a pressing concern for the people of Lebanon.