The gathering of families of martyrs, injured, and victims of the Beirut port explosion condemned during their 37th monthly vigil held in front of Martyrs' Gate No. 3, the "repeated insults directed at them by Willem Noun last week, considering them enemies of life following their statement rejecting the Bayal party." They emphasized their commitment to the gathering's president, Ibrahim Hiteet, "as their sole representative, consisting of more than 40 families."
Hiteet stated: "We initiated, established, and solidified this monthly vigil to keep it alive in the minds of the Lebanese and ensure that truth and justice do not perish as in all previous cases. We had high hopes of achieving accountability in this national and humanitarian issue, marking the first time in Lebanon's history, as it comprises the blood, limbs, and tears of Lebanese from all sects. However, the interference of certain parties and their infiltration into our ranks under the pretext of logistical support led to internal disputes, which subsequently resulted in the fragmentation of our ranks and thus weakened us."
He added: "What worsened the situation is that all our calls for unity among the families were met with indifference, even attacks from some hired individuals resorting to cheap propaganda serving the same political line responsible for dividing our families." Hiteet reiterated his rejection and condemnation of these parties' intervention and their adoption and politicization of the cause, saying: "We once again express our rejection of all forms of internationalization, including the fact-finding committee, which we consider the final nail in the coffin of this case aimed at burying it. From here, we reaffirm our commitment to the Lebanese judiciary and bet on the remaining integrity within it to achieve our rights."
He addressed Judge Tariq Bitar, saying: "Your suspicious way of working is what has brought us to today's frozen investigation; had you summoned everyone without exception, we would be on the verge of trials today. The scandals of your politicization of the file continue to emerge day by day, and among them is your failure to summon Ashraf Rifi, who received three requests stamped with his signature and did nothing, not to mention the leadership of UNIFIL, the army, and the summary judiciary. And what remains hidden is even greater."
