Lebanese President Aoun declares at the site of the Beirut port explosion, asserting that justice will be served.
In the heart of Beirut, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed his commitment to justice and a transparent investigation into the 2020 port blast on its fifth anniversary. Aoun emphasised that "the law applies to all, without exception," and promised accountability regardless of rank [2].
However, the judicial inquiry led by Judge Tarek Bitar has faced significant hurdles. Despite extensive reports and awaiting a final French investigation report, Bitar’s efforts have been slowed by legal challenges, non-cooperation from officials, and postponements. He continues to gather witness testimonies and seeks cooperation from European and Arab countries to question suspects related to the ammonium nitrate shipment, hoping to issue indictments by the end of 2025 [1][5].
The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, has expressed solidarity with those affected by the blast and called for full accountability. She criticised persistent political interference and obstruction that have blocked accountability, echoing concerns from international human rights groups [3][5]. On the anniversary of the tragedy, the Lebanese Civil Defense posted images on social media showing workers placing flowers on the memorial of the martyrs of the Port of Beirut [4].
Despite official statements promising progress and indictments, the investigation remains complex and fraught with political challenges more than five years after the tragedy [1][2][3][5].
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Aoun, too, has not forgotten the tragedy. On August 4, 2025, he commemorated the fifth anniversary of the Beirut Port explosion that claimed over 200 lives, wounded thousands, and destroyed neighbourhoods. He stressed that justice will not die regarding the Beirut port blast [8].
Despite the ongoing challenges, the Lebanese state, with all its institutions, remains committed to uncovering the entire truth about the Beirut port blast [9]. Hennis-Plasschaert, however, noted that five years after the tragedy, there is a glaring absence of justice [3]. The pursuit of truth and accountability continues.
- The Lebanese President, Joseph Aoun, has emphasized his commitment to transparency and justice in the investigation of the 2020 port blast, promising accountability regardless of rank.
- The judicial inquiry into the port blast has faced significant hurdles, with legal challenges, non-cooperation from officials, and postponements slowing the process.
- The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, has criticized persistent political interference and obstruction that have blocked accountability in the port blast case.
- Sally Shakkour, the leader of Al Bawaba's English news team, excels in writing original news stories, providing updates on general news, politics, crime-and-justice, and even entertainment news including food and health topics.
- Despite the ongoing challenges, the Lebanese state, with all its institutions, has remained committed to uncovering the entire truth about the Beirut port blast, acknowledging a glaring absence of justice five years after the tragedy.
