The year 2022 did not bring a glimmer of hope for the families of the victims of the Beirut port explosion, as the investigation remained stalled, along with justice for hundreds of victims and the injured, as well as for those detained in this case, whose files cannot be addressed until the investigating judge returns to his office. International interest in the case, as well as domestic interest, declined, making this year's commemoration less impactful than in 2021, which had significant preparations and a mass presided over by Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi. Despite the important victory achieved by the revolution in the elections, not all of the change deputies attended the march from the port to downtown Beirut. Only the families maintained their monthly vigil on the fourth of each month to raise their voices and emphasize the need for justice and the protection of the investigating judge. They took several steps in this direction, notably a message sent to the United Nations demanding the formation of an international fact-finding committee, and a conference that invited all deputies, resulting in the presentation of six essential legislative proposals to protect the investigation and the case's progress.
William Noun, brother of the martyr John Noun, recalled the port explosion case throughout the past year, considering that "the disappointments, unfortunately, outweighed the positives, as they cleverly and deceitfully halted the investigation for over a year." Noun stated, in an interview with MTV, that "the solution will come either through legislation in the Parliament by approving the proposed laws concerning the port case, or through the Higher Judicial Council which has internal issues," adding, "the investigation is stalled on all fronts, but there are signs of a solution, even if it takes longer, and we are exerting significant pressure in this direction."
Regarding the message to the UN, Noun revealed that it reached the UN, where discussions are taking place on forming an international fact-finding committee, remarking: "In Iran, they formed an investigation committee within two months after the protests began, while we have been demanding it for a year and a half without receiving it," hinting at an international atmosphere rejecting the formation of this committee, with information reaching the families indicating that the French are working against this committee and do not want it to be established; otherwise, it would have seen the light.
On what 2023 might bring concerning the case, Noun stated: "The primary demand for next year is to resume the investigation through the Judicial Council, the Parliament, or a fact-finding committee," noting that "Judge Suhail Aboud can decide that interim judges can rule on the challenges, which is sufficient to resume the investigation," affirming that appointing an alternative judge will not pass, expecting Judge Tarek Bitar to return to take over the file next year.
In response to a question about the potential impact of the new president on the port file, Noun said, "If the new president is from the March 8th team, he will increase pressure on the investigation and attempt to dismiss Judge Aboud and push for the appointment of a judge close to this team, which we oppose," adding, "whereas a national president would provide protection for the port investigation and prioritize it, with many details the president could influence."
The families hold great hopes for the investigation to resume its natural course and reach the truth, and until then, their determination seems stronger than all attempts to instill despair. Perhaps the love story that blossomed between William Noun and Maria Fares, sister of the martyr Sahar Fares, and their engagement announcement, is a good example that the will to live is stronger than all sadness, and that truth will prevail, even if it shows up late.
