Pubblicazione singola
In his inaugural speech, President Aoun emphasized the need for justice for the victims of the Beirut Port explosion, signaling a potential shift in the Lebanese state's approach to the investigation. Simultaneously, Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring accountability, a sentiment that has been echoed by families of the victims and civil society groups. Against this backdrop, Judge Tarek Bitar has resumed his investigation, summoning key officials for interrogation, including security and port officials. However, legal and political obstacles persist, with defendants filing lawsuits aimed at blocking the proceedings. This paper seeks to contextualize these recent developments within the broader political shifts in Lebanon, particularly in light of the relative stability following the ceasefire in southern Lebanon and renewed efforts to form a functional government.
This paper is structured to provide a comprehensive analysis of the investigation into the Beirut Port explosion, outlining its historical trajectory, key legal and political developments, and the current challenges hindering accountability. It begins by detailing the background of the explosion and the initial domestic and international reactions, followed by an examination of the key obstacles that have stalled the investigation, including political interference, judicial obstruction, and international pressures. Finally, the paper analyzes the most recent developments, particularly in light of the formation of a new government and the renewed push for justice, while also assessing the potential paths forward. With increasing international scrutiny from the UN Human Rights Council, European Parliament, and US Congress, this paper serves as a concise summary of the main trends in the investigation thus far, anticipating potential progress or further roadblocks in the coming months.