Lebanon's president calls for justice five years after Beirut port blast

Beirut [Lebanon], August 5: On the fifth anniversary of the catastrophic explosion at the Beirut port, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has renewed his pledge to pursue a full investigation and deliver justice for the victims.
Aoun vowed to maintain the pressure on all relevant institutions to ensure that "everyone responsible, regardless of their rank or affiliation, is brought to justice."
Addressing the families of the victims, he said: "Your pain will not go unanswered. The promise of justice remains."
The explosion on August 4, 2020, killed more than 200 people, injured around 6,000 and devastated large parts of the Lebanese capital. To date, no one has been held accountable for the tragedy.
The blast was caused by hundreds of tons of improperly stored ammonium nitrate, which was kept for years in a port warehouse.
It was one of the most powerful non-nuclear explosions ever recorded.
The investigation into the incident has largely stalled due to political interference, judicial paralysis and deep-rooted corruption.
Key suspects have evaded questioning and judges have been obstructed.
At the beginning of the year, the government announced a new investigation attempt, partly spurred by the weakening influence of Hezbollah due to the conflict with Israel.
"Survivors and victims, and their families, deserve full accountability. And, they deserve it now," UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert wrote on X.
Lebanese Energy Minister Joe Saddi described the blast as a "crime against humanity," adding that the years-long obstruction of justice may be an even greater offence.
The families of the victims are scheduled to hold a sit-in near the port later on Monday.
Source: Qatar Tribune