Family members gathered in May 20201 on the nine-month anniversary of the Beirut port explosion to mourn loved ones who died in the blast. (Credit: João Sousa/L’Orient Today)
BEIRUT— The families of victims of the 2020 Beirut port explosion issued a statement Thursday saying they are not affiliated with any candidates in the upcoming parliamentary elections, adding that their cause should not be politicized by any group or candidate.
Here’s what we know:
• The statement asked politicians not to exploit their cause “for electoral purposes.” The families also called for justice as the investigation into the port blast has been stalled for months due to political interference.
• Judge Tarek Bitar's investigation into the blast continues to be hampered by appeals filed against him by politicians he has summoned for investigation. In addition, the recent retirement of one of the Court of Cassation’s members caused the body to lose the quorum required to hold meetings to rule on complaints against Bitar.