A delegation representing the families of the victims of the 2020 Beirut port explosion met with Justice Minister Adel Nassar on Friday, urging him to ensure that the investigation into the deadly blast continues in a comprehensive and independent manner, away from political interference.

In a joint statement, the families emphasized the "urgent need" to protect the integrity of the probe, warning against attempts by political actors or their "paid mouthpieces" to influence the course of justice. They called for a transparent process focused solely on uncovering the truth behind the devastating blast.

The families expressed gratitude for steps recently taken by Nassar, particularly his appointments to fill vacant positions within the Higher Judicial Council and the formation of a specialized Indictment Chamber tasked with reviewing appeals against any decisions issued — or that may be issued — by Judge Habib Rizkallah. Rizkallah has been assigned to investigate alleged abuse of power by former Public Prosecutor Ghassan Oueidat.

During the meeting, the delegation was informed that the minister had also made necessary arrangements for the upcoming visit of a French judicial team, set to arrive early next week. The French delegation is expected to share findings from its own investigation into the explosion,  which devastated large parts of Beirut, killed more than 200 people, and injured thousands.

The families added that they had observed, at the outset of Lebanon's new political era, signs of a more serious commitment to transparency, notably through the actions undertaken by Minister Nassar within the limits of his mandate.