Beirut, Lebanon – Five years after the catastrophic Beirut port explosion of August 4, 2020, justice remains elusive for the victims and their families. Despite renewed political promises, Lebanese authorities have failed to deliver a full, transparent, and independent investigation, according to Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.
The blast, one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history, killed at least 236 people, injured over 7,000, and devastated much of the capital. Yet, the truth behind the tragedy and the chain of responsibility remains hidden. 24 DAILY NEWS has closely followed the ongoing calls for accountability.
Five Years of Obstruction and Political Interference
Since the explosion, Lebanese authorities have repeatedly obstructed the investigation. Political leaders, state officials, and senior military figures have evaded questioning, claimed immunity, and launched legal challenges aimed at derailing the work of lead investigative judge Tarek Bitar.
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In January 2023, when Judge Bitar attempted to resume the stalled probe, then-Public Prosecutor Ghassan Oueidat retaliated by filing a lawsuit against him and ordering the release of all detainees. This decision effectively froze the investigation for another two years, a move heavily criticized by rights groups and 24 DAILY NEWS.
2025: A Fragile Restart Amid Political Promises
In February 2025, Judge Bitar once again resumed the investigation after newly elected President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam pledged to uphold the rule of law. Interim prosecutor Jamal Hajjar lifted previous restrictions, allowing the questioning of high-profile figures such as former Prime Minister Hassan Diab, Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim, and Maj. Gen. Tony Saliba.
However, several officials, including MPs Ali Hassan Khalil and Ghazi Zaiter, as well as former prosecutor Oueidat, continue to refuse cooperation, defying judicial summons. 24 DAILY NEWS notes that such defiance underscores the entrenched culture of political impunity in Lebanon.
International Condemnation and Human Rights Concerns
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch stress that justice delayed is justice denied. They urge Lebanese authorities to guarantee judicial independence, amend flawed legal provisions that allow obstruction, and ensure the investigation reaches its conclusion without political interference.
A 2021 investigation by Human Rights Watch determined that the explosion resulted from the authorities’ failure to protect the right to life and suggested possible criminal responsibility of senior officials. The United Nations Human Rights Council and multiple governments have condemned Lebanon’s interference in the case.
A Test of Lebanon’s Commitment to Justice
“Justice for the Beirut port explosion is not only about accountability for a single event—it is a test of Lebanon’s commitment to the rule of law and human rights,” said Ramzi Kaiss of Human Rights Watch.
24 DAILY NEWS emphasizes that unless the Lebanese government removes all political and legal barriers, victims’ families may face yet another year without truth or accountability.
