New progress in the Beirut port explosion case: judge Tarek Bitar resumes his investigations after 2 years of suspension. Hope for the families of the victims to finally see light shed on this tragedy. Details of the resumption of the investigation here.
This is a major twist in the case of the devastating explosion that occurred on August 4, 2020 in the port of Beirut. After two long years of suspension, the independent judge Tarek Bitar, in charge of the investigation into this tragedy which plunged Lebanon into mourning, has just resumed his investigations. According to a judicial source speaking on condition of anonymity, he initiated proceedings against ten new people on Thursday.
As a reminder, this explosion of incredible power, considered one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history, sowed desolation in the Lebanese capital. More than 220 people lost their lives and more than 6,500 were injured. Entire sections of the city were devastated.
A determined judge despite pressure
The resumption of the investigation by Judge Bitar is far from being a smooth ride. Since January 2023, this magistrate renowned for his independence has had to interrupt his investigations, under pressure from a large part of the Lebanese political class. The powerful Hezbollah movement notably opposed its work, while a series of legal proceedings were launched against it to hinder its mission.
But the tide seems to have turned in favor of revealing the truth. The election of the new Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and the appointment of Nawaf Salam as Prime Minister have changed the situation. Both are committed to guaranteeing the independence of the judiciary and preventing any interference in the work of judges. A courageous stand in a country plagued by the culture of impunity.
New charges
With this support at the highest level of the state, Tarek Bitar was able to resume his investigative work. According to the judicial source, he initiated proceedings against three port employees and seven high-ranking officers from the army, general security and customs. The interrogations of these people will begin on February 7.
Other interrogation sessions are planned for March and April, this time targeting prominent figures: former ministers and deputies are among those charged. Once these hearings are completed, Judge Bitar plans to close his investigation and forward the file to the Attorney General at the Court of Cassation. The latter will then be responsible for examining the case with a view to formulating an indictment.
Hope is reborn for victims’ families
These significant advances in the investigation raise a glimmer of hope among the victims’ loved ones, who have been fighting tirelessly for more than two years for justice to be done. Cécile Roukoz, a lawyer for the bereaved families who herself lost her brother in the explosion, said:
The promises made by the President and the Prime Minister, then the resumption of the investigation today, give us the impression that there is hope that the victims’ rights, for which we have continued to fight, will not be forgotten.
A sentiment shared by many human rights organizations. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, called for the “resumption of an independent investigation”. He insisted on the need to see those responsible for this tragedy “held accountable” and offered his office’s help to achieve this.
The ammonium nitrate scandal
At the heart of this tragedy is ammonium nitrate. It was a fire in a warehouse where tons of this highly explosive product were stored without precaution which caused the explosion. And this, despite repeated warnings addressed to the country’s highest officials.
As early as 2020, a first judge in charge of the investigation had to throw in the towel after indicting former Prime Minister Hassan Diab and three former ministers. Tarek Bitar took over, in turn attacking high-ranking political leaders, before coming up against the same obstacles.
Faced with these obstacles, relatives of the victims and numerous international NGOs have increased calls for the creation of an international commission of inquiry. A request that has remained a dead letter until now, with the Lebanese authorities officially opposing it.
Towards the manifestation of the truth?
The resumption of investigations by Judge Bitar and the commitment of the new authorities to support him suggest the possibility of real progress in revealing the truth about this national tragedy. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam declared on Tuesday, in his first speech, that he would do “everything possible to provide justice to the victims of the explosion”.
After two years of stagnation and obstruction, Lebanon finally seems ready to face this tragedy and identify those responsible. An immense challenge in a country riddled with corruption and political interference, but an essential step to allow families to mourn and the nation to rebuild. All hopes are now focused on Judge Tarek Bitar and his determination to see his investigation through to the end, whatever the obstacles.
