5 Years Later, Beirut Honors Port Blast Victims With a Street But Still No Justice

Five years after the devastating port blast that left the capital city in ruin and took the lives of more than 230 people, time has seemingly stood still for the Lebanese population. On the eve of the anniversary, authorities inaugurated “Victims of August 4 Street” at one of the entrances of the port, on Charles Helou Avenue.

The inauguration was attended by PM Nawaf Salam, several ministers and MPs, and families of the victims. As part of the initiative, 75 olive trees were planted at the site, each bearing the name of a victim.

In his speech, Salam said “no one is above accountability.” He called for full judicial independence and reaffirming the government’s commitment to pursuing justice. “There is no justice without truth,” he added.

While the move is being described as a tribute to the victims, families and human rights groups continue to criticize the lack of progress in the investigation. The official probe has been repeatedly blocked, with no one held accountable to date.

Symbolic gestures may keep the memory alive, but for many, they only highlight the absence of justice.

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