The English section of webangah News Agency reports, citing Mehr News Agency and Al-Akhbar newspaper, that five years after the massive Beirut Port blast, the fate of the case and those responsible remains unclear.One of the most contentious issues in the inquiry is that no officials implicated by available evidence have been brought to trial or even summoned.
At 6:07 p.m. on August 4,2020,a catastrophic explosion shook Beirut’s port akin to a fiery earthquake. It left widespread destruction and an enduring sense of anger among grieving families. Half a decade later, its full truth remains unresolved.
Resumption of Beirut Port Explosion Investigations Amid legal Controversies
After repeated delays caused by widespread protests against Judge Tarek Bitar-who has handled this case aligned with Western and American positions-the investigation has finally resumed. Despite ongoing legal challenges to his authority following a lawsuit filed by Lebanon’s Public Prosecutor Office, Bitar persists in pursuing the case amid Lebanese legal circles disputing his jurisdiction over it.
The Committee of Victims’ Families released a statement condemning Judge Bitar’s failure to deliver timely justice or uncover truth, asserting that he has not applied consistent standards appropriate for such a notable matter.
As noted earlier, one key controversy is the failure to summon or prosecute officials believed involved in the blast. The committee presented documents indicating Ashraf rifi-Lebanon’s former Justice Minister-was aware of nitrate shipments stored at Beirut Port but was never summoned. Likewise, Raymond Khoury-the head of Lebanon Customs-was only called four years later despite evidence tying him directly to responsibilities associated with the explosion.
Negligence Behind Beirut Blast Case
The inquiry still lacks examination into critical aspects involving international oversight-such as why UNIFIL forces allowed entry to a ship carrying dangerous ammonium nitrate despite being aware it was an explosive hazard. UNIFIL stated that Lebanon’s army inspected this cargo before granting entry clearance.
The victims’ families hold UNIFIL and Lebanese military intelligence responsible for this negligence.
The documentary “Narrative Truth,” produced by Al-Mayadeen TV reconstructing details surrounding Beirut port’s explosion reveals dimensions largely uncovered until now. The committee said they extensively used this documentary while collecting approximately 120 security and legal documents related to investigations including findings from FBI as well as French and German intelligence services regarding liability concerning ammonium nitrate shipment awareness within Lebanon’s authorities.
Narrative truth on Catastrophic Beirut Explosion
This documentary recounts many concealed facts about when in 2013 ship ”Rhosus,” chartered by UK-based company Savaro carrying 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate from Georgia en route to Mozambique arrived at Beirut port without proper clearance or management plans.
Documentation reveals that after suffering major defects in 2014 prompting Lebanon’s Maritime Authority recommendations for immediate departure due to safety concerns-including hazardous materials aboard-the vessel remained docked at berth nine due partly financial obstacles preventing removal. On October 21st that year Ziad Shaaban from Lebanon’s justice Ministry inspected Rhosus at port; Hassan Qraitem then head of port administration noted dangerous goods necessitated ventilation and evacuation around Cargo Shed 12 where ultimately on October 27th ammonium nitrate was stored despite numerous warnings criticizing storing large explosives quantity unprepared facilities near populated areas could provoke disaster.
The documentary further discloses correspondence between suppliers/government agents involved attempting either clearance or reexportation efforts before being informed over year later damage made shipment too risky legally requiring all official disclaimers placed upon Lebanese authorities shoulders fully liable if tragedy occurred thereafter.
In mid-2015 Najib Marai director-general of Lebanese Transport wrote judge Jad Maalouf requesting army custody due high explosive risks posed; simultaneously occurring customs demanded sample analysis leading Sami Hussein then customs control chief urging transfer back overseas or handoff military custody while general director formally notified judiciary but cargo lingered silently awaiting resolution.
In early-2018 during anti-corruption inspections triggered alarms concerning risk fire/ theft yet no consequential action followed even after Prime Minister Hassan Diab was briefed June third warning seeking visiting site but mistakenly told chemicals were merely fertilizer posing negligible threat shortly prior fatal ignition late afternoon August fourth causing unprecedented destruction alongside profound forensic void still unfolding today .
Families Left In Limbo Five Years After Explosion
Soon after blast chaos ensued amidst mounting grief prompting victim relatives forming joint committee appointing Ibrahim hatit spokesperson charged demanding full accountability-from former presidents through ministers security heads judicial figures held responsible throughout chain permitting hazardous material storage culminating catastrophe.
however time saw fractures emerge within ranks reducing cohesive pressure instead divided rather than unified approach prevailed toward complete prosecution demands for total transparency distributive justice among powerful political factions exert lobbying influence indefinitely stalling timely court proceedings amounting growing public disillusionment across affected communities resting unresolved wound festering inside fragile national psyche already burdened deeply multiple socio-economic hardships crippling country repeatedly rocked coupled external pressures undermining sovereignty stability overall law enforcement integrity crucial cardinal-rule essential principle universal rule-law practice officially anchored resolving crime ultimately ensuring survivors right dignity closure recognized help rebuild shattered fabric devastated city collective history scar witnessing unspeakable tragedy unforgettable painful chapterwithout clearly acknowledged accountability genuine effective reconciliation process usher healing true social peace lasting future generation hopeful restoration fundamental freedoms circumvent systemic corruption institutional inertia slowing measures needed invalidate evidences enabling impunity perpetuating political shielding mechanisms obstruct justice delivery remain unwelcomed alarm bell conscience people everywhere demanding humane recognition minimum basic rule fairness international moral standards .
Tarek Bitar Investigation Sparks Disputes Among Victims’ Families
Ibrahim Hatit reiterated criticism highlighting how Judge Tarek Bitar sparked divides among victim groups through selective summons releasing some implicated officials while specifically clearing others - violating foundational principle agreed internally promoting equal treatment without bias across entire spectrum relevant actors involved long-standing condemnation until recently penal procedural conduct increasingly polarizing rather than uniting constituents awaiting resolution moving forward . He described occasions trying press judge summoning onto frontlines all defendants met resistance internally fearing jeopardizing momentum ongoing probe questioning worth presenting equitable stance protect judicial independence allegedly opposed various political pressures threatening transparency leading some advocate withdrawal backing frictions diminished overall impact sustained campaign seeking justice objectified initial aspirations majority constituents remained fractured weakened ability forge unified voice continuing external factors influencing discourse complicate ultra-delicate quest truth requiring steady unwavering commitment ethic dignity rule law regard regardless factional preferences affiliations.
A Defining Moment: September 29th Demonstration Against Politicization Of Inquiry
Ibrahim Hatit recalled mass gathering held outside Judiciary palace September twenty-first twenty-twenty-one which fractured momentum built overtime severely weakening family committee efforts seeking clear outcomes calling event orchestrated partly by foreign-aligned elements aiming rally thousands under slogans detached unrelated politically charged messages targeting hezbollah specifically rather than constructive demand hallmark impartiality criminal proceedings fighting systematic obfuscation both men confronted dilemma sustaining message focus supporting movement against developments blatantly betraying core mission purpose standing vigilant safeguarding delicate balance insisting crowd refrain divisive chants eventually provoking unfriendly reactions including personal hostility directed toward himself forcing strategic withdrawal alongside other bereaved members loud statement denouncing protest distortions undermining whole cause unfortunately distancing sizable segment community further setback united push real change verification rigorous autonomous credible results replacing hope once cherished dedicated recent past.
Dilemma Over Compensation Remains Unresolved Five Years On
This prolonged saga continues fraught concentrating predominantly on pursuit duty holding accountable individuals blamed incident creating tragic loss affecting thousands multiplying injury displacement hardships coexist alongside protracted delay compensation debate overshadowed thorough fact-finding rooted determination prioritizing uncovering exact circumstances followed applicable verdicts call restitution accordingly based conclusive indictment verdict vein aligned internationally accepted jurisprudence practice defined direct consequence culpability determining nature event sabotage versus accidental negligence informing ultimate liability repercussions consequently conditioning payment monetary reparations covering damaged properties lost livelihoods bereaved relatives pending definitive final judicial pronouncements required restoring minimal measure confidence exposed public._
A Painful Memory carved Indelibly Into Beirut’s History
August fourth two thousand twenty will forever be etched as more than just dreadful instant shaking capital physically – its aftermath fractured hearts collectively felt nationwide spiraled into deep lasting trauma affecting millions witnessing catastrophic toll precise casualty count officially exceeds over two hundred twenty deaths plus more than six thousand five hundred injured leaving upwards three hundred thousand homeless displaced shattered living conditions beyond temporary accommodation needs further exacerbated economic malaise multiplied complexity providing effective support assistance vital rehabilitation planning humanitarian aid globally acknowledged crisis scale indispensable addressing longer-term regional implications elaborate geo-political dynamics domestic scenarios requiring thoughtful balanced multilateral cooperation obvious governance mechanisms rising inclusive participatory processes encouraging resilience strengthening towards gradual reconstruction envisaging peaceful sustainable recovery consolidated gradually re-establish normalcy making hope paramount anchored specially remembrance respect honor reverberating relentlessly memory survivors unforgettable pain solidarity commitment accountability relentlessly sought conducing steps healing ultimately marking key turning point collective past consciousness essential stepping stones vital path forward flashpoint reminder dangers compounded mismanagement endemic corruption vulnerabilities friendly confront necessary structural reforms embedded democratic principles rendering malfunction systems inadequately serve citizen welfare hence guarding future generations preventing recurrence similar tragedies ensure common humanity prevails transcending divisions grudges settled rights protected yesterday now tomorrow always realized cherished goal timeless aspiration surviving painfully hard-learn lessons shared region wide inspiring courage convictions resilience endured integral parts thereof catharsis transformation quest marked indelible imprint legacy lost lives days revolutionary spirit shine brighter stronger inspiring beacon future awaited bright new dawn citizens proudly embrace common destiny surpass differences fostering harmony prosperity mutually beneficial endeavours honoring fallen heroes pledging restore glory beautiful resilient city known throughout ages beacon culture diversity liberty progress crucial crossroads trust rebuilding beginning here truly every soul matters every life counts recklessly ignored alternatively exponential capacity kindle courage illuminate darkest moments incessant pursuit ultimate triumph light despair ensuring never forgotten forever treasured memory preserved shared severest human trials shape better enlightened world lasting peace prevailing worldwide.”
