Thousands of Lebanese gathered at the Beirut Port on Monday, also the fifth anniversary of the catastrophic port blast, to commemorate the victims and demand truth and accountability.
The residents, joined by government officials, carried photos of the victims and banners as they gathered in Martyrs' Square and marched toward the port to commemorate the tragedy.
On August 4, 2020, a massive explosion rocked the Beirut Port, where nearly 3,000 tons of improperly stored ammonium nitrate detonated in a warehouse. The blast killed over 200 people, injured more than 6,500, and left 300,000 people homeless instantly.
So far, no one has been held responsible for the blast. In January, the investigation into the blast was resumed after a two-year suspension. A total of 10 people, including security, customs, and military personnel, were charged with negligence and possible intent to commit murder.
On Monday, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun vowed that "justice is coming," saying that the state "is committed to uncovering the whole truth, no matter the obstacles or how high the positions" involved.
"With the leadership of the new government and president, may the truth come to light. May the tragedy never repeat itself. May the departed rest in peace," said Roy, a resident who took part in the march.
The remaining silo ruins from the blast, originally slated for demolition, have been preserved as a national historic landmark at the insistence of victims' families. The site now stands not only as a memorial, but also as a stark national reminder.
Lebanese mourn victims, demand truth on 5th anniversary of Beirut port blast
Lebanese mourn victims, demand truth on 5th anniversary of Beirut port blast
Lebanese mourn victims, demand truth on 5th anniversary of Beirut port blast
The organizing committee of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games has unveiled the titles, creative visions, and first talents of the opening and closing ceremonies, as Thursday marked 50 days before the event officially gets underway.
Scheduled from March 6 to 15 across multiple Italian cities, the Games will bring together 665 athletes from 50 countries and regions to compete for 79 gold medals across six sporting disciplines.
The opening ceremony, titled "Life in Motion," will be staged at the historic Arena di Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, presenting a tribute to change and transformation that seeks to redefine disability through a new harmony between people and the environment.
"I paid close attention to the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics, which I consider one of the three or four most beautiful in the history of Olympic ceremonies. This time at the ancient Arena di Verona, we will place greater emphasis on showcasing the human element," the ceremonies' artistic director Alfredo Accatino told a Chinese reporter at the event.
The closing ceremony, themed "Italian Souvenir," will be held on March 15 at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, guiding athletes, volunteers, and fans through a journey that captures the emotions and memories of the Games after days of competition and achievement.
Craig Spence, the International Paralympic Committee's Chief Brand and Communications Officer, believes that Italy will deliver "the best Paralympic Games" following the benchmark set by the Beijing Winter Paralympics in 2022.
"I think what China did in Beijing has really set the benchmark for all future teams competing in the Paralympic Winter Games in terms of performance. That's why I think Milano-Cortina will be the best Paralympic Games we've ever seen for sports," he said.
Milano-Cortina Paralympics reveal opening, closing themes as Games draw near
