Lebanon Seeks Justice Five Years After Beirut Port Catastrophe

In Lebanon, the quest for justice continues five years after the devastating explosion at Beirut’s port that claimed the lives of at least 218 people and injured over 6,000 others. On August 4, 2020, an enormous blast occurred when hundreds of tons of ammonium nitrate ignited in a warehouse, causing widespread destruction across the city and contributing to a deteriorating economic situation.

George Bezdjian vividly recalls the harrowing search for his daughter, Jessica, who was working as a nurse at the St. Georges Hospital during the explosion. Tragically, he found her lying on the floor as her colleagues attempted to revive her, ultimately to no avail. “I started telling God that living for 60 years is more than enough. If you’re going to take someone from the family, take me and leave her alive,” Bezdjian shared in an interview.

The aftermath of the explosion has left lasting scars on the city and its people. The blast not only destroyed the port area but also inflicted severe damage on numerous neighborhoods, leading to billions of dollars in losses. Many families, like Bezdjian’s, have been left searching for accountability in a country long plagued by political corruption and financial mismanagement.

The responsibility for investigating the explosion fell to Judge Tarek Bitar, known for his determination to hold accountable those in power. Despite his efforts, five years later, no official has faced conviction. The investigation has faced numerous obstacles, including political pushback from influential figures who have historically obstructed justice.

Judge Bitar’s intentions to release an indictment last year were hampered by regional conflicts, including a violent confrontation between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group, which exacerbated the instability in Lebanon. In early 2025, the election of President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam raised hopes for renewed efforts in the investigation. Salam emphasized, “There will be no settlement in the port case before there is accountability.”

In July, Judge Bitar summoned several senior political and security officials as part of a renewed push for the case. He is currently compiling an extensive report, now over 1,200 pages, with the aim of finalizing an indictment by the end of this year. The judge is awaiting a crucial fourth report from France, which has conducted its own investigation into the blast due to the loss of several French citizens.

Despite the pervasive sense of despair in Lebanon, some families of the victims remain hopeful. Kayan Tlais, whose brother was killed in the explosion, expressed optimism about Bitar’s commitment and the newly elected leaders. “We do have judges with integrity,” he stated, reflecting on the potential for justice amidst a backdrop of frustration and sadness.

The physical scars of the blast are still evident, particularly in the remnants of the grain silos that partially collapsed in 2022 after a series of fires. While some reconstruction has occurred, driven largely by non-profit organizations and private funding, there remains a significant lack of centralized efforts from the government.

A 2022 survey by the Beirut Urban Lab indicated that between 60% to 80% of damaged apartments and businesses had been repaired, largely through the efforts of local charities and the Lebanese diaspora. Mona Harb, a professor of urban studies at the American University of Beirut, noted that this reconstruction has been predominantly volunteer-driven.

For many, including Bezdjian, August 4 remains a “dark day of sadness.” He continues to search for answers and accountability, grappling with his grief while expressing a deep desire for justice. “We will do to them what every mother and father would do if someone killed their child,” he said, emphasizing the emotional toll of the tragedy.

As Lebanon navigates through its ongoing crises, the hope for justice after the Beirut blast remains a critical issue for families and the nation alike.