Paul Naggar, father of 3-year-old Alexandra killed by the Beirut Port explosion on Aug. 4, 2020, was among those present at the demonstration in front of the port customs building on Jan. 23, 2026. (Credit: Mohammad Yassin/L'Orient Today)
BEIRUT — Several dozen people connected to the families of victims of the Aug. 4, 2020 Beirut port explosion began a sit-in at 10 a.m. on Friday to oppose the appointment of Gracia Azzi as head of the Directorate General of Customs.
Azzi is facing prosecution as part of the investigation into the tragic event which claimed more than 200 lives and tore through entire neighborhoods of the capital. According to our reporter on site, Mohammad Yassin, other protesters were expected to arrive by bus after 10:30 a.m. to continue the sit-in.
Gracia Azzi's appointment was approved last Thursday in a Cabinet meeting as per the proposal of Finance Minister Yassine Jaber, whose ministry oversees the customs bureau.
Her designation is the result of a broad political compromise, in contrast with the promises of change made by the new leadership, represented by President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.
Led by investigative judge Tarek Bitar, the probe into the port disaster has been stalled for several years, repeatedly slowed down by political pressure and administrative obstacles.
The latest development: Igor Grechushkin, the alleged owner of the Rhosus ship from which ammonium nitrate was unloaded in 2014 — and which caused the double explosion--is reportedly set to be released soon by Bulgarian authorities.
