Lebanon’s newly appointed Minister of Justice, Adel Nassar, has reaffirmed his commitment to facilitating the investigation into the Beirut Port explosion, promising to provide all necessary support to ensure the lead investigator, Judge Tarek Bitar, is equipped to issue an indictment in the case.

“We will certainly focus on this issue, starting with the Supreme Judicial Council, because it has the authority to decide on the Beirut Port explosion case,” Nassar told the Central News Agency.

The Beirut Port explosion, which took place on August 4, 2020, was one of the most catastrophic events in Lebanon’s history. The blast, which caused immense destruction in the capital, resulted in the tragic loss of life, with hundreds killed and thousands injured. Families of the victims have fought tirelessly for justice, but their path has been obstructed at every turn. From delays in investigations to threats against Judge Tarek Bitar, the lead investigator, the families have faced countless barriers in their pursuit of accountability.

The broader context of Lebanon’s judicial challenges has complicated the search for justice. The country’s political landscape has long sought to control the judiciary, with powerful political factions appointing loyal judges and blocking appointments that threaten their interests. This interference has paralyzed the judiciary, particularly in sensitive cases like the Beirut Port explosion investigation and corruption cases that involve high-ranking officials.

Nassar also highlighted his commitment to advancing judicial independence by pushing for the swift enactment of a law that would protect the judiciary from political interference.

“I will try to pass the law on judicial independence and issue it as soon as possible to protect the judiciary from political interference,” Nassar said, further underlining his commitment to reforms that could restore public confidence in Lebanon’s legal system.