Explosion in Beirut port leaves Lebanon calling for justice, five years later
The investigation into the August 4, 2020 Beirut port explosion remains unresolved as of 2025, with significant delays, obstructions, and political interference impeding progress.
Investigation Status
The inquiry, led by Judge Tarek Bitar, faced repeated suspensions due to legal challenges and obstruction by political leaders and senior officials. After a two-year suspension, it resumed in February 2025 but has yet to deliver a final outcome.
Obstruction and Interference
Several high-ranking figures summoned for questioning have refused to cooperate, citing immunity or filing lawsuits to derail the process. These include former Prime Minister Hassan Diab, Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim, Maj. Gen. Tony Saliba, and members of parliament Ali Hassan Khalil and Ghazi Zaiter.
Political Context
Renewed political pledges by the current President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam in 2025 have allowed the investigation to restart. Justice Minister Adel Nassar has also supported efforts to move forward.
Cause and Responsibility
The explosion was caused by 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate stored unsafely for years in the port after being offloaded from the Moldovan-flagged ship Rhosus. Ownership of the ship and associated business interests (e.g., Cypriot businessman Charalambos Manoli) are part of the investigation into accountability, but major political actors involved in decision-making or negligence around the storage remain under scrutiny.
Memorial and Anniversary
Victims' families have long demanded the preservation of the silos as a memorial of the catastrophe. Hundreds gathered in Beirut on Monday afternoon to mark the anniversary of the disaster, with Youssef Romanos, 44, raising a photo of his neighbor, a nun killed in the explosion.
Current Situation
Nobody is currently in custody in relation to the case. The disaster devastated swathes of the Lebanese capital, killing more than 220 people and injuring over 6,500. Judge Tarek Bitar resumed his investigation into the blast this year, seeking to establish full responsibility.
[1] Al Jazeera. (2023). Beirut port explosion: Judge Tarek Bitar orders arrests over blast. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/1/10/beirut-port-explosion-judge-tarek-bitar-orders-arrests-over-blast
[2] The New York Times. (2023). Beirut Blast Investigation Halted Amid Legal Challenge. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/01/world/middleeast/beirut-blast-investigation-halted.html
[3] Reuters. (2023). Lebanon's ex-prosecutor sues judge leading Beirut port blast probe. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/lebanons-ex-prosecutor-sues-judge-leading-beirut-port-blast-probe-2023-02-01/
[4] The Guardian. (2025). Beirut blast investigation resumes after more than two-year impasse. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/01/beirut-blast-investigation-resumes-after-more-than-two-year-impasse
[5] Human Rights Watch. (2023). Lebanon: Beirut Blast Investigation Must Proceed. Retrieved from https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/02/01/lebanon-beirut-blast-investigation-must-proceed
- The international community has expressed concern over the unresolved Beirut port explosion investigation, calling for justice and accountability amidst allegations of political interference.
- The Israeli government has shown interest in the Beirut port explosion investigation, particularly in relation to potential human rights violations and arms trafficking accusations.
- The culture of impunity in Lebanese politics has been under scrutiny following the Beirut port explosion, with allegations of obstruction of justice and negligence against high-ranking officials.
- The Beirut port explosion has been featured in general news and crime-and-justice reports across the globe, shedding light on the need for a comprehensive inquiry into the incident and its implications for human rights and regional politics.
