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Beirut Explosion: Families Await Justice Amid Stalled Probes

 


On August 4, 2020, Lebanon's capital city, Beirut, experienced a catastrophic event that shook the nation and the world. The explosion, one of history's biggest non-nuclear blasts, devastated the city, leaving behind a trail of destruction and claiming the lives of over 220 people while injuring at least 6,500 others.

The massive explosion, triggered by a vast stockpile of poorly-stored ammonium nitrate, rocked the city, destroying much of Beirut's port and surrounding areas. The impact was so powerful that it created a 141-foot-deep crater and registered as the equivalent of a magnitude 3.3 earthquake. The aftermath of the disaster overwhelmed hospitals, as bloodied survivors sought urgent medical attention.

However, three years have passed since that tragic day, and the investigation into the incident remains mired in legal and political challenges. Rights groups and families of the victims have been calling for an independent fact-finding mission, urging the United Nations to step in and provide answers.

The timeline of events following the mega-explosion has been fraught with hurdles and setbacks. The lead investigator examining the incident, Fadi Sawan, charged former Prime Minister Hassan Diab and three former ministers with negligence. Yet, the probe faced obstacles, and Sawan was removed from his position by court order after complaints were filed by two of the accused.

Subsequent changes in investigating magistrates, including Tarek Bitar, brought further delays as parliamentary approval to lift immunity for questioned ministers stalled. Court challenges and political interference hampered progress, causing frustration and anger among the victims' families and the public.

In October 2021, protests erupted, with hundreds of Hezbollah supporters and allies rallying against the new judge, Tarek Bitar. The situation escalated into a gun battle, claiming the lives of at least seven people, adding to the already tense atmosphere surrounding the investigation.

Despite the challenges, Bitar resumed the probe and, in a significant development, charged eight individuals with probable intent to murder and other crimes related to the explosion. However, the progress was once again halted as Prosecutor General Ghassan Oueidat charged Bitar with insubordination and "usurping power," and the investigator refused to step down.

The ongoing legal battles and political pressures have led to a prolonged delay in obtaining justice for the victims and their families. The Beirut Port Explosion Probe is a critical matter of public interest and deserves an impartial and thorough investigation. The families who lost their loved ones in the tragedy have been enduring a painful wait for answers and accountability.

As the investigation continues, it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize justice and transparency. The people of Beirut and the international community are watching closely, hoping for a resolution that brings closure to the victims' families and helps prevent such devastating incidents from occurring in the future.

READ MORE: Families of Beirut explosion victims await answers amid frequently stalled probes

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