Protesters waving a Lebanese flag on Aug. 4, 2025, in front of the port of Beirut, five years after the deadly explosion. (Credit: Matthieu Karam/L’Orient-Le Jour)
Six years after the Beirut port explosion, Aug. 4, 2020, the indictment so eagerly awaited by victims' families and all Lebanese still has yet to be issued. Despite years of obstruction and judicial deadlock, the investigation now seems to be entering its final phase.Tarek Bitar closed his investigation on March 30 and handed the case over to the Court of Cassation’s prosecutor. Its chief, Ahmad Rami al-Hajj, assigned Attorney General Mohammad Saab to review the file and prepare the public prosecutor's indictment. He must submit his comments, requests, and assessment of responsibilities. This opinion is a required step before the indictment is issued, though it does not bind Judge Bitar, who is free to take a different approach. Testimonies... Aug. 4 blast drove many out of the country: ‘That very night, I knew I had to leave’ ...
Six years after the Beirut port explosion, Aug. 4, 2020, the indictment so eagerly awaited by victims' families and all Lebanese still has yet to be issued. Despite years of obstruction and judicial deadlock, the investigation now seems to be entering its final phase.Tarek Bitar closed his investigation on March 30 and handed the case over to the Court of Cassation’s prosecutor. Its chief, Ahmad Rami al-Hajj, assigned Attorney General Mohammad Saab to review the file and prepare the public prosecutor's indictment. He must submit his comments, requests, and assessment of responsibilities. This opinion is a required step before the indictment is issued, though it does not bind Judge Bitar, who is free to take a different approach. Testimonies... Aug. 4 blast drove many out of the country: ‘That very night, I knew I had to...
