Yesterday, the streets of the Lebanese capital witnessed bloody hours, reminiscent of scenes from the civil war that the Taif Agreement had quelled. The triangle of Tayouneh, Ain el-Rummaneh, and Chiyah in Beirut witnessed severe violence, resulting in six deaths and dozens of injuries according to the Lebanese Red Cross. This violence was sparked by a call for a demonstration in front of the Palace of Justice by supporters of Hezbollah and the Amal Movement (led by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri), protesting against the judge in charge of the Beirut port explosion investigations, Judge Tarek Bitar, whom they accuse of politicizing the case.
**Escalating Political Positions**
Prior to the violence, there were escalatory political positions from Hezbollah and Amal against the investigating judge, reaching a peak with Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah stating days ago that "Judge Tarek Bitar is politicizing the case, and the situation has reached an unbearable level," following his scheduling of interrogation sessions for deputies allied with Hezbollah and issuing arrest warrants against them.
Families of the Beirut port explosion victims were supposed to hold a press conference yesterday to express their stance on the developments in the investigation and the pressures faced by the investigating judge. However, they canceled the conference due to the violence.
"However, Al-Arabiya.net" sought the opinions of some families regarding what occurred and what message they have for the judge who resumed investigations after being suspended three times at the request of deputies being prosecuted.
**Scenes that Remind Us of War**
Mirai Khoury, mother of victim Elias Khoury, stated to "Al-Arabiya.net," "What happened scares me as a Lebanese citizen, as it takes us back to war scenes we lived through." However, she affirmed that "a large number of Lebanese, regardless of their sectarian affiliations, want to know the truth about what happened on August 4, 2020. The case of the Beirut port explosion is not only our case as families of victims but all Lebanese. Either we achieve justice and hold accountable those responsible for what happened, or we will not build a homeland."
**We Want Justice**
She argued, "If there had been accountability, we wouldn't have reached this point," hoping that the investigation would not be sidelined. She stressed that the families want justice and will not accept politicization of the case, calling on the authorities to wait for the investigation's conclusion to judge whether it was politicized or not. She also questioned, "If someone considers themselves innocent, why don’t they appear before the investigating judge and prove their innocence legally?" She added, "Those who took to the streets today, do they accept that what happened to us on August 4 happens to their children?"
**We Are With You**
Additionally, she urged, "Anyone who has evidence that Judge Bitar is politicized should present it, and there are legal procedures that can be followed without going to the streets." Addressing the investigating judge, she stated, "God protect you. We are with you until the end to uncover the truth. We hope what happened in the streets does not affect you. Continue with the investigations because we want justice."
**Hezbollah is Responsible for the Explosion!**
On her part, Michel Andoun, widow of victim Joe Andoun, stated that what happened is unacceptable, and that Hezbollah and Amal act like a militia. She told "Al-Arabiya.net," "We all know that Hezbollah is primarily responsible for the Beirut port explosion, as the port is under its control. My husband Joe used to tell me that Hezbollah members were roaming freely inside the port." For months, Michelle has emigrated with her two daughters to the United States, as the situation in Lebanon became unbearable, saying, "What would have happened to me if I had been in Ashrafieh yesterday with my daughters at school during the clashes? I do not want them to live what I experienced during the civil war." She affirmed she wants justice, saying, "It is my daughters' right to know who killed their father." She addressed the investigating judge, "Do not be afraid. We stand by your side."
Georges Bazergian, father of victim Jessica, simply told "Al-Arabiya.net," "What happened is very painful."
**Are They Trying to Conceal the Truth?**
For her part, Mona Jwaish, mother of victim Rawan Mesto, asked, "We do not know what happened or who clashed with whom. Is their goal to conceal the truth and prevent us from knowing what happened on August 4?" She emphasized in a conversation with "Al-Arabiya.net," "As families of victims, we want the truth and nothing but the truth." She added, "We do not seek hostility from anyone, but rather justice."
**You Have Proven That You Are an Honest Judge**
To the pressured investigating judge, she said, "We are with you until the end, and may God protect you. You have proven to be an honest and fair judge who does not fear threats."
**Statement from the Victims' Families**
The families of the victims of the horrific explosion that shook the capital on August 4, 2020, which resulted in over 200 deaths, issued a statement condemning the assault on innocent citizens, reiterating their commitment to justice and accountability for all those complicit in the bloodshed. They argued that nothing fortifies civil peace and alleviates their suffering more than truth and justice. They expressed their commitment to keeping their cause free from sectarian or political manipulation. Furthermore, they called on influential parties to prioritize the public interest over personal interests to prevent further bloodshed and societal division.
