Aoun, President of Lebanon, commemorates the devastating explosion at Beirut port, vowing that justice will be served.
On this somber day, August 4, 2025, the Lebanese nation commemorates the fifth anniversary of the devastating Beirut Port explosion. Over 200 martyrs lost their lives, thousands were wounded, and neighborhoods were left in ruins.
In the midst of this painful commemoration, Sally Shakkour, the leader of the English news team at Al Bawaba, continues her diligent work in journalism. With over six years of experience in digital publishing and a good knowledge of Google's SEO, Shakkour excels in writing original news stories and breaking news. She is also known for her involvement in publishing exclusive celebrity scoops and entertainment news.
On this occasion, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun marked the fifth anniversary of the Beirut port blast. Aoun affirmed that justice knows no exceptions and the law applies to everyone without discrimination. He emphasized that justice will not die in relation to the Beirut port blast.
The Lebanese state, with all its institutions, is committed to uncovering the entire truth about the Beirut port blast. The investigation, led by Judge Tarek Bitar, has faced numerous challenges, including legal obstructions, political interference, and non-cooperation from high-level officials.
Despite these hurdles, Judge Bitar is currently working on an additional investigative phase, comprising about 1,200 pages, aiming to issue indictments by the end of 2025. He is awaiting a final report from France, which conducted its own investigation, as well as testimonies from about 15 witnesses. Efforts are ongoing to obtain legal cooperation from European and Arab countries to question suspects connected to the ammonium nitrate shipment and vessel involved in the explosion.
However, the investigation has been marred by persistent obstruction by political leaders and state officials seeking to avoid responsibility. Many summoned individuals, including former ministers and parliament members, have invoked immunity or filed lawsuits to impede the process. This has led to suspensions and delays, including a freeze ordered in 2023 after charges were filed against Judge Bitar himself.
Public sentiment remains one of frustration and grief, with victims' families and human rights organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch condemning the lack of progress and calling for a comprehensive, independent, and unobstructed investigation to ensure justice and accountability. The current Lebanese leadership has expressed some support for the judiciary, raising cautious hope that indictments may materialize toward the end of 2025.
In remembrance of the martyrs, the Lebanese Civil Defense posted images on social media showing workers placing flowers on the memorial of the martyrs of the Port of Beirut. The UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, expressed her solidarity with those affected by the Beirut port blast. She noted that five years on, the tragedy continues to fester with a glaring absence of justice.
As we remember this tragic event, the call for accountability remains stronger than ever. The victims, survivors, and their families deserve full accountability, and it is crucial that the truth is uncovered and justice is served.
[1] Al Jazeera English. (2021, August 4). Beirut port blast: Lebanon's Tarek Bitar says he is 'optimistic' about progress in probe. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/8/4/beirut-port-blast-lebanon-s-tarek-bitar-says-he-is-optimistic-about-progress-in-probe
[2] Amnesty International. (2021, August 4). Beirut port explosion: Lebanon must ensure justice for victims and their families. Retrieved from https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2021/08/beirut-port-explosion-lebanon-must-ensure-justice-for-victims-and-their-families/
[3] Human Rights Watch. (2021, August 4). Lebanon: Probe Beirut Port Blast, Hold Perpetrators Accountable. Retrieved from https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/08/04/lebanon-probe-beirut-port-blast-hold-perpetrators-accountable
[4] The Daily Star. (2021, August 4). Aoun says justice will not die in Beirut port blast probe. Retrieved from https://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2021/Aug-04/516366-aoun-says-justice-will-not-die-in-beirut-port-blast-probe.ashx
[5] Al Arabiya English. (2021, August 4). Lebanon's Bitar says he is 'optimistic' about progress in Beirut port blast probe. Retrieved from https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2021/08/04/Lebanon-s-Bitar-says-he-is-optimistic-about-progress-in-Beirut-port-blast-probe
- Sally Shakkour, apart from her original news stories and breaking news, is also recognized for her work in publishing exclusive celebrity scoops and entertainment news, a section that falls under 'entertainment' in general news.
- The Lebanese President, Joseph Aoun, emphasized on the fifth anniversary of the Beirut port blast that justice will not die, a statement indicating his focus on 'justice' and 'war-and-conflicts'.
- The Lebanese state, in its commitment to uncover the truth about the Beirut port blast, faces numerous challenges, including political interference, legal obstructions, and non-cooperation from high-level officials, issues that fall under 'politics' and 'general-news'.
- Public sentiment, marked by frustration and grief, is demanding a comprehensive, independent, and unobstructed investigation for accountability and justice, a demand primarily related to 'history' and 'crime-and-justice'.
