On the sixth anniversary of the August 4, 2020 Beirut port explosion, families gathered to demand truth and accountability for the blast that killed over 220 people and injured thousands. Judge Tarek Bitar has completed a probe into about 70 defendants and referred the case to the public prosecutor, but no indictments or arrests have been made. Officials say a prosecutorial decision is expected within 60–90 days, while political disputes and past attempts to remove the judge have delayed progress. Victims' families say they remain determined to see those responsible held to account.
Six Years After Beirut Port Blast, Families Demand Truth as Case Moves to Prosecutor
Family members carry the portraits of the victims of 2020 Beirut port blast as they gather around the marble memorial engraved with the names of the victims near the blast's ground zero (Anwar AMRO)
On the sixth anniversary of the August 4, 2020 Beirut port explosion, families of the victims gathered near the damaged port to renew calls for truth and accountability. The blast killed more than 220 people, injured over 6,500 and flattened large sections of the capital.
Calls for Justice
Mourners held photographs of loved ones and Lebanese flags while the names of the dead were projected on a large screen. Cecile Roukoz, a lawyer whose brother was killed in the blast, addressed the crowd and urged the judiciary to act:
"No matter how bad the painful circumstances in Lebanon become... the crime of August 4 is not behind us. Knowing the truth and holding the criminals to account remains the priority."
Investigation Status
Judge Tarek Bitar completed a probe into roughly 70 defendants — a group that includes current and former politicians, security and military officials, and civil servants — and referred the case to the public prosecutor in March. The prosecutor is expected to review the file, issue an opinion and return it to Judge Bitar so he can decide whether to indict.
To date, no one in Lebanon has been arrested or formally held to account over the blast. Justice Minister Adel Nassar told AFP a prosecutorial decision was expected "within a period of 60 to 90 days." President Joseph Aoun described an indictment as "a necessity that can no longer be delayed," and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam pledged "no cover for any official."
Political Obstacles and Resilience of Families
The investigation has been hampered by years of political and legal battles, including efforts by Iran-backed Hezbollah to remove Judge Bitar and dozens of lawsuits seeking his disqualification. Bitar resumed his probe last year after shifts in Lebanon's balance of power following fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.
Families have not relented in pressing for answers. Hanaa Karam, who lost her brother and two other relatives among the firefighters killed when the blaze began, said, "We live in the hope for justice." Hiyam al-Bikai, who lost her son Ahmad, added: "Our pain has not stopped and our wound has not healed. We want to know how our children died and who will be held to account." William Noun, whose brother Joe was among the firefighters killed, described the search for remains and the family's continued wait for the indictment.
The victims' relatives say timely indictments and transparent legal procedures are essential steps toward accountability and national healing.
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