Collective Action

Relatives of victims of the Aug. 4, 2020, Beirut port explosion stage a sit-in in front of Justice Palace to demand progress in the stalled investigation case.

BEIRUT — Dozens of relatives of victims of the Aug. 4, 2020 Beirut port explosion gathered late Tuesday morning in front of Justice Palace to demand progress in the stalled investigation case.

"What we are witnessing is a second crime," Forces of Change MP Halimé El Kaakour, who was at the protest, told L'Orient Today. "This second crime is the stopping of the investigation, with clear political motivations," she said, criticizing caretaker Minister of Finance Youssef Khalil for not yet signing the judicial appointments necessary to advance the investigation, which have been blocked for several months.

Also at the demonstration, Forces of Change MP Michel Douaihy vowed to continue the protests calling for the investigation, adding that "a country without justice can not be built."

The port explosion on Aug. 4, 2020 killed more than 220 people and injured 6,500 others, destroying nearby neighborhoods.

Photos from our journalist showed scuffles between protesters and security forces deployed at the main gate leading to the Justice Palace.

Date:

January 10, 2023

Actors/ Mobilising structures:

Affected group (inc. NIMBY)

Multi-organisational field (collaboration, allies) :

N/A

Mode of Action:

Sit-in

Objective:

Protest of a policy/ governmental measure/ etc.

Cause/ Grievances/ Framing CA:

Policy Grievances

Spatial characteristics:

Location on the Lebanese territory

Frequency:

Episodic

State response:

N/A

Sources:

https://today.lorientlejour.com/article/1323991/relatives-of-aug-4-victims-prote…

LBN11084

Village Name:

Palais De Justice

Local Name:

Achrafieh

Caza:

Beirut