On Monday evening, the fifth anniversary of the devastating Beirut port explosion, families of the victims led a solemn march, reaffirming their calls for truth, justice and accountability. Two groups set off from Martyrs’ Square and the Karantina Fire Station, converging at the Statue of the Emigrant near the blast site, carrying portraits of lost loved ones and banners denouncing impunity.
At 6:07 PM, the exact moment of the 2020 explosion that killed more than 200 and wounded thousands, a minute of silence was observed. A large Lebanese flag, bearing signatures of hundreds calling for justice, was raised in a symbolic gesture. The names of the victims were read aloud in tribute.
Grief and Defiance from Victims’ Families
William Noun, brother of slain firefighter Joe Noun, voiced strong criticism of Hezbollah and recalled threats against lead investigator Judge Tarek Bitar. “We will not forgive Hezbollah for imprisoning us,” he said, calling for a clear judicial decision and full accountability. He also demanded the execution of outstanding arrest warrants for former ministers Youssef Fenianos and Ali Hassan Khalil.
Lawyer Cecile Roukoz, sister of victim Jean Roukoz, pointed to continued political obstruction. “Investigator Bitar is doing his job. Everyone showed up for hearings except Ghassan Oweidat and Ghazi Zeaiter. They are fugitives from justice,” she said. Roukoz warned that justice delayed is justice denied while thanking the ministers of Justice, Culture and Information for their support.
Strong Ministerial and Political Presence
The march drew notable participation from ministers across the government, including Minister of Justice Adel Nassar, Minister of Culture Ghassan Salameh, Minister of Social Affairs Haneen Sayed, Minister of Public Works Fayez Rasamny, Minister of Tourism Laura al-Khazen Lahoud, Minister of Public Health Rakan Nassereddine and others.
Minister of Industry Joe Issa al-Khoury said, “Families of the victims cannot be asked to forget or forgive without the truth.”
Minister of Health Nasreddine emphasized unity, affirming that “martyrs fell from all sides. We stand with the pursuit of justice.”
Minister of Communications Charles Hage declared that “the decision to build the state has been made, and no state can be built without justice.”
Minister of Public Works Rasamny acknowledged “mismanagement and negligence at the port,” pledging to address it this year.
Minister of Tourism Lahoud reiterated calls for justice, “We cannot forget August 4. Justice and accountability are required.”
Minister of Culture Salameh announced a new permanent dialogue with victims’ families, adding, “There is no justice without truth, and no truth without judicial independence.”
More Reactions
Several embassies and international actors echoed support.
The French president Emmanuel Macron wrote, on X, France “will not forget the victims or the suffering” of the Lebanese people. He reaffirmed Paris’s commitment to Lebanon’s reconstruction, security, and full sovereignty.
The US Embassy stressed the need for an impartial judiciary, saying Lebanon “deserves justice for the victims, not protection for the elite.”
The British Embassy lowered its flag at 6:07 PM, calling for “a transparent and swift investigation.”
The French Embassy emphasized that “ending impunity is essential” for Lebanon’s recovery.
UNIFIL released a statement marking the anniversary, recalling its post-blast efforts alongside the Lebanese Army and reaffirming its ongoing support for Lebanon and its people.
UN Special Coordinator Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert declared that “the absence of justice only deepens the tragedy,” urging expedited judicial proceedings and praising the recent adoption of the judicial independence law.
For his part, MP Michel Moawad described August 4 as “a national cause,” adding that hope is finally emerging with the designation of the date as a national day and progress in the investigation.
Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) leader Taymour Joumblatt called the blast “a lesson” in the need for a strong, sovereign state and insisted that justice must follow its full course.
Kataeb MP Nadim Gemayel denounced five years of “judicial paralysis” and demanded that the indictment be issued.
Lebanese Forces (LF) MP George Okais said the judiciary must complete its work, “We must reveal the truth.”
Minister Joe Saddi called the obstruction of investigations “a greater crime” than the blast itself.
Minister of Interior Ahmad al-Hajjar, after laying a wreath, declared, “There is no state without justice.”
Moreover, the State Security pledged continued commitment to protecting Lebanon, in honor of their fallen members.
Kataeb Party leader Samy Gemayel posted on X, “We will not forget... we will not forgive,” sharing a video tribute to four party members lost in the blast.
MP Neemat Frem posed blunt questions, “Where is the investigation? Who is responsible? 218 martyrs, 7,000 wounded, and every Lebanese with a conscience is still waiting.”
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