Written by Joyce Houeiss for JNews Lebanon
Six years have passed since the tragic moment at 6:07 PM that forever altered the face of Beirut, marking one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in modern history. Today, on the sixth anniversary of the Beirut Port explosion, the lingering grief of victims’ families meets intense judicial and political anticipation. A case long targeted by political obstruction and legal stays now stands at the threshold separating the end of the judicial investigation and the start of a historic public trial before the Judicial Council.
Exclusive Jnews Insights: Final Draft of Public Prosecution Brief and Charges
Senior judicial sources revealed to “Jnews Lebanon” that the past two weeks saw closed, intensive meetings between Lead Investigator Judge Tarek Bitar and Public Prosecutor Delegate Judge Dr. Mohammad Saab to finalize the prosecution brief. Sources confirmed to “Jnews” that the final text overcomes constitutional hurdles regarding high-level prosecutions by distinguishing between administrative negligence and criminal intent, paving the way for direct indictments against senior figures without requiring prior executive permissions.
True Tonnage Revealed: International Intelligence Forensic Data
In an exclusive finding obtained by “Jnews Lebanon” from the Palace of Justice, recent French and American judicial rogatory commissions have resolved the debate surrounding the exact quantity exploded inside Hangar 12. While initial assumptions suggested the full 2,750-ton shipment from the MV Rhosus detonated, precise chemical and physical forensic analyses attached to the case file confirm that the actual detonated quantity ranged between 700 and 800 tons of high-concentration ammonium nitrate. This finding establishes a key legal foundation in the upcoming indictment proving systematic siphoning and smuggling of the stored material prior to August 4, 2020.
Diplomatic Pressures: Port File as Leverage Ahead of Rome Talks
The port explosion file does not exist in isolation from southern border developments. Diplomatic sources informed “Jnews Lebanon” that American officials participating in side discussions around the Rome negotiations emphasized closing unresolved domestic files to ensure long-term stability. Sources noted that US officials conveyed to Lebanese counterparts that issuing the formal indictment and transitioning to an open public trial before year-end remains a key milestone for reconstruction assistance linked to port redevelopment funds.
“Senior Judicial Source to Jnews: Six years of delays are coming to an end this autumn. The formal indictment is nearly complete and contains no political compromises at the expense of 245 victims and thousands injured. The judiciary is preparing for an open, public trial before the Judicial Council.”
