Beirut Blast: Accountibility in Progress

“As time drags on, the Lebanese are losing faith that any credible investigation can be conducted.” Aya Majzoub, Lebanon researcher at non-government organization Human Rights Watch, claimed. May 4, 2021

According to “The National”[1] news website, a judicial source informed it that fresh charges will be filed over last year’s deadly explosion at Beirut’s port in the coming “weeks”. The source claimed that the investigation will push to the end, despite any redtape or political interference. Many in Lebanon are still aching to know the truth and lament the lack of accountability within the country; Victims have repeatedly told the media over the past nine months that they fear they may never achieve justice.

“The example that was set with Fadi Sawan’s removal is not positive at all. It shows that there are very clear red lines in the investigation that judges cannot bypass,” Aya Majzoub, Lebanon researcher at non-government organisation Human Rights Watch, claimed.

Nevetheless, the source explained that the investigtion  needs some caution and assured that suspects will be charged and called in for questioning in a matter of “weeks” or “one month as soon as some technical points will be addressed.

[1] The National News, May 4, 2021, https://www.thenationalnews.com/mena/lebanon/fresh-beirut-blast-charges-coming-in-weeks-say-sources-nine-months-on-1.1216468

Bristol Donates Furniture to BB Victims

Bristol Hotel had faced many crises, including wars and conflicts, and has survived them all. Yet, the current situation, which forced Bristol to close down is  different.[2] May 8, 2021, www.the961.com

One year ago, the landmark hotel called Bristol closed down mimicking the bad security condition within the country. Lately, the owners decided to donate its furniture to the Lebanese non-profit organization Beit El Baraka, which will distribute them to people who have lost their homes. According to Beit El Baraka, after the furniture is cleaned, it will all be displayed in a showroom for 3,011 families whose homes were damaged after the Beirut Explosion.

[2] The 961, May 8, 2021, https://www.the961.com/le-bristol-hotel-beirut-donating-furniture/

Communication and Public Relations Department