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View of the completely destroyed port of Beirut (archive image)
Photo: WAEL HAMZEH / EPA
Two days before the anniversary of the chemical explosion that destroyed large parts of the Lebanese capital Beirut, the human rights organization Amnesty International is accusing local authorities of delaying investigations into the disaster.
"The Lebanese authorities have spent the past year shamelessly obstructing victims' search for truth and justice," Amnesty wrote in a statement.
So far, no one has been brought to justice for the disaster, which is considered to be a failure of the authorities.
On August 4, 2020, hundreds of tons of ammonium nitrate stored in a warehouse in the port of Beirut exploded.
More than 200 people died, thousands were injured and entire neighborhoods were razed to the ground.
Since then, the Lebanese authorities have been investigating how the manure got into the warehouse, why it was stored there so unsafe and how the explosion came about.
But the first judge to investigate was dismissed after he tried to question senior officials.
His successor is also struggling with disabilities from leading politicians in the country.
"Given the scale of this tragedy, it is amazing to see how far the Lebanese authorities are ready to go to protect themselves from accountability," said Amnesty Vice Regional Director Lynn Maalouf.
Due to the slow progress of the investigation, the payment of compensation and insurance is blocked.
Relatives of the victims of the explosion are planning marches on Wednesday to commemorate the victims and to call for the parliamentary immunity of some of the prime suspects to be lifted.
Victim representatives threaten with violence
A victim representative has now given the authorities an ultimatum.
Relatives 'spokesman Ibrahim Hoteit said at a press conference that the authorities had three days to meet the families' demands.
Otherwise, the demonstrators are ready to "break bones."
"We are done with routine and peaceful demonstrations," said Hoteit.
"Beware of our anger."
As a result of the disaster, the Lebanese government resigned last year.
Since then, the country has been left without regular leadership.
However, the designated Prime Minister Najib Mikati cannot present a cabinet as hoped for on the anniversary.
Mikati said after a meeting with President Michel Aoun that he hoped the formation of the government would go faster.
According to media reports, the warring parties are still arguing over the distribution of posts.
Mikati has been Prime Minister twice and is seen by many as a symbol of the corruption that has ruled the country for decades.
The country's economy is down
Aid organizations meanwhile point out the economic effects of the destruction of the port of Beirut.
The country's economy is in free fall, said the Maltese relief service.
The explosion in the port and the corona pandemic would have made the economic crisis worse.
According to this, 60 percent of the population of Lebanon live below the poverty line, and inflation is around 100 percent.
According to the World Bank, Lebanon is in one of its worst economic crises since the mid-19th century.
fek / AFP