It’s been 2 years since one of the world’s largest ever non-nuclear explosions ripped through Lebanon’s capital, killing more than 200 people, including at the port and further afield, with some 6,500 injured, 300,000 people had been made temporarily homeless; entire neighbourhoods of the Lebanese capital were devastated. Based on an analysis of videos, a team from the University of Sheffield estimated that the explosion was the equivalent of 1,000 to 1,500 tonnes of TNT – about a 10th of the intensity of the nuclear bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945.
Judge Tarek Bitar, is a Lebanese judge and the head of Beirut’s criminal court, is the second judge investigating the devastating Beirut port explosion. Because of the political affiliations, interference in the judicial system, and lack of accountability, Lebanon was never able to reach to peace and justice regarding any case, not only the catastrophic Beirut port explosion. Meanwhile, the investigation into the causes of the explosion has been held up for months due to political interference. Therefore, we demand to take this investigation into another level away from the Lebanese judicial system.
The tragedy continues to bring back severe memories to the Lebanese people. A section of Beirut’s massive port grain silos, shredded in the 2020 explosion, collapsed in a huge cloud of dust on Sunday after a weekslong fire, triggered by grains that had fermented and ignited in the summer heat. The northern block of the silos collapsed after what sounded like an explosion, kicking up thick gray dust that enveloped the iconic structure and the port next to a residential area. It was not immediately clear if anyone was injured.
The International Union of Socialist Youth strongly condemns the Lebanese authorities that promised a swift investigation; and instead they have brazenly blocked and stalled justice at every turn, despite a tireless campaign for justice and criminal accountability by survivors and families of victims.
IUSY calls to immediately end the violence against the Lebanese people and bring justice to the martyr’s families. IUSY calls on the United Nations to act decisively and urges for the establishment of an International and independent investigation to this act and enforce the rule of law in Lebanon.
Following up to this statement we will be launching our petition in the next couple of days to push for an international independent investigation on the second anniversary of the Beirut port explosion.
IUSY calls on all the sides involved to continue the political processes in a peaceful manner and in accordance with law.
IUSY values the commitment of basic human rights, dignity and freedoms. Democracy, the rule of law and justice must be defended at all times.