Families seek justice five years after Beirut explosion

On August 4, 2020, an enormous explosion occurred at the port of Beirut, Lebanon, resulting from the detonation of hundreds of tons of ammonium nitrate stored in a warehouse. This catastrophic event led to the deaths of at least 218 individuals, with over 6,000 others injured. The explosion caused extensive damage to large sections of the city, resulting in billions of dollars in repair costs. As the nation grappled with economic challenges stemming from decades of corruption and financial misconduct, the lack of accountability fueled anger among the citizens. Five years later, the officials who should be held responsible for the tragedy remain unpunished as the investigation stalled without any convictions. The investigating judge, Tarek Bitar, summoned several senior political and security officials in July 2025, signaling a renewed effort to move the case forward. However, despite expectations, he did not issue an indictment over the summer. Bitar continues working on an extensive investigation report, now around 1,200 pages long, and awaits a final report from the French authorities, who are conducting their investigation due to the deaths of their nationals in the blast. Although the port area and surrounding neighborhoods in Beirut have started to recover and show signs of functionality, the scars of the disaster remain visible. Many families and business owners relied on personal funds or charitable organizations to undertake repairs to damaged properties. A survey conducted by the Beirut Urban Lab in 2022 revealed that a substantial 60% to 80% of the affected apartments and businesses had undergone repairs. This resilient effort to rebuild amid differing degrees of recovery serves as a testament to the community’s determination. Families of victims, such as Kayan Tlais, the brother of a port supervisor who died in the explosion, continue to hold onto hope for justice. Tlais expresses encouragement in Judge Bitar's persistence and the emergence of new political leadership in Lebanon, which he believes could instigate change. The families desire clarity regarding who was responsible for the disaster and demand justice for their loved ones. This hope contrasts sharply with feelings of frustration and resentment towards a system that has failed to deliver accountability, fueling the persistent grief and anger in the nation.