Three years after the devastating port explosion in Beirut, Lebanon, attempts to hold those responsible accountable have been hindered by political interference. The exact death toll from the explosion remains disputed, and many Lebanese citizens have lost faith in their country’s crumbling institutions.
As the anniversary of the blast approaches, families of the victims continue to struggle to have their loved ones officially recognized as blast victims. Among those not recognized is Qusai Ramadan, a five-month-old boy and the child of Syrian refugees. His parents claim he was killed when the explosion caused the ceiling and a cupboard in his hospital room to collapse on him. Despite their efforts, they have been unable to have Qusai added to the official death list, which would make them eligible for compensation. They accuse the authorities of discriminating against non-Lebanese victims.
The anniversary of the blast has reignited calls for an international investigation into those responsible, including top officials who allowed highly flammable ammonium nitrate to be improperly stored at the port for years. Lebanese and international organizations, survivors, and families of victims have appealed to the U.N. Rights Council, stating that three years after the explosion, justice and accountability remain elusive.
To mark the anniversary, hundreds of people marched in Beirut, with family members of the victims urging the international community to assist in the investigation. The families carried roses and photos of their loved ones, and a moment of silence was observed at the exact time of the blast.
One mother, Mireille Bazergy Khoury, whose son Elias was killed in the explosion, called for an international and impartial investigation within the U.N. framework. She expressed frustration at the lack of action and emphasized that the crime was not just a Lebanese issue, as victims came from various nationalities.
According to the Lebanese group Maan, the death toll from the blast is significantly higher than the government’s count. They put the number at 236, with the authorities ceasing to count the dead a month after the explosion, despite some severely wounded individuals later succumbing to their injuries.
Qusai, the Syrian infant, is among those listed by the Maan initiative. He had been receiving treatment for a severe liver condition and was in critical condition at a government hospital near the port. On the day of the blast, Qusai’s aunt, Noura Mohammed, was with him while his mother was at home. After the explosion, the staff ordered an immediate evacuation, and when Noura returned, she found the infant dead under fallen debris. Hospital officials stated that Qusai died an hour after the explosion due to cardio respiratory arrest.
Lebanon is home to over 1 million Syrian refugees, accounting for approximately 20% of the country’s population. The Anti-Racism Movement reported that at least 76 non-Lebanese citizens, including 52 Syrians, were among those killed in the blast.
Many Lebanese citizens have lost faith in the domestic investigation and have started filing cases abroad against companies suspected of importing the ammonium nitrate. The chemicals had been shipped to Lebanon in 2013, and senior political and security officials were aware of their presence and potential danger but took no action.
The investigation into the blast has been stalled since December 2021, with Lebanon’s powerful and corrupt political class repeatedly interfering with the work of the judiciary. In January, Lebanon’s top prosecutor ordered the release of all suspects detained in the investigation.
Makhoul Mohammed, a Syrian citizen who was injured in the blast, plans to sue those responsible in a Canadian court. He settled in Canada last year and believes that the domestic investigation will not yield results as long as the current political class remains in power.
How has the Lebanese government responded to the accusation of downplaying the number of deaths and injuries caused by the explosion?
E government acknowledging only 218 deaths. Maan also claimed that over 7,000 people were injured and 300,000 were displaced due to the explosion. The group accused the government of downplaying the numbers in an attempt to avoid responsibility and accountability.
International organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have criticized the Lebanese government’s handling of the investigation into the explosion. They have called for an independent and transparent investigation, free from political interference, to ensure that justice is served.
The explosion, which occurred on August 4, 2020, was one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history. It was caused by the ignition of 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate that had been improperly stored at the port for several years. The blast resulted in widespread destruction, causing billions of dollars in damage and leaving large parts of Beirut in ruins.
Three years on, the wounds caused by the explosion are still fresh for many Lebanese citizens. The lack of accountability and the failure to recognize all the victims have only added to their frustration and disillusionment with the country’s institutions. They feel betrayed by their government and are demanding justice for their loved ones.
As the anniversary of the blast approaches, the calls for an international investigation and accountability are growing louder. The international community must heed these calls and support the Lebanese people in their pursuit of justice. The victims and their families deserve nothing less than a thorough and independent investigation that will hold those responsible for the explosion to account. Only then can they begin to heal and rebuild their shattered lives.
