By Noemí Jabois
Beirut (EFE).- On the fifth anniversary of the Beirut port explosion that killed over 200 people, hundreds marched on Monday silently through the Lebanese capital, demanding justice, as the investigation into one of the largest non-nuclear blasts in history remains unresolved.
Two solemn marches converged at Beirut’s port, the epicenter of the 2020 disaster caused by improperly stored ammonium nitrate.
Protesters held photos of the victims and read their names aloud, applauded by the crowd in a tribute now held every Aug. 4.
Among them was Shafik Abi Shakra, participating for the first time. His brother, a deaf man, died trapped beneath a building in the aftermath.
“They didn’t have the equipment to pull him out,” he told EFE. “He died after a couple of days, calling out. It was very hard; he couldn’t hear or speak.”
While many families continue to demand answers, trust in the investigation is fading.
“Telling the full truth would put many people in prison,” Shakra said. “The authorities will delay it as long as possible. But even a little truth would ease people’s pain.”
Investigation faces delays but some hope emerges
Lebanon’s official probe into the blast has faced repeated obstruction, including from senior officials accused of negligence.
For nearly three years, the case remained frozen until early 2025, when investigative judge Tarek Bitar was able to resume proceedings after changes in the prosecutor’s office and a shift in government.
This year, for the first time, several government ministers and officials joined the public in the anniversary marches.
Protester Bachir al Sueidi called it a “super different” scene from previous years. “There is some change, the government is trying to support us,” he told EFE, holding a portrait of his uncle, who died in the explosion.
Al Sueidi said the lead judge had hoped to conclude the investigation by this fifth anniversary, but technical issues may push the final report back by one or two months. Despite delays, he remains cautiously optimistic.
Calls for accountability remain unshaken
For many, the state remains responsible. “One hundred percent, directly or indirectly,” said Al Sueidi, arguing that port authorities had long been warned about the 2,750 tons of explosive material stored there. A fire in one of the warehouses triggered the catastrophic blast on Aug. 4, 2020.
Over 6,500 people were injured that day, including Al Sueidi’s mother, who was just 500 meters (1640 feet) away.
“I saw the fire, then heard a sound, it was so loud. We ran, and then came the explosion,” he recalled.
The psychological scars remain deep. “Every year is hard, but this one feels slightly better because maybe the truth is finally near,” he said.
Standing before the port with a large banner, protester Jean Marie echoed the determination of Beirut’s citizens.
“We’re here to show that we’re still standing, and we’ll keep demanding justice no matter how long it takes,” she said. “We won’t stop until there is accountability.” EFE
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