Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Monday called on the judiciary to issue an indictment in the investigation of the 2020 Beirut port explosion, urging swift action as the country neared the sixth anniversary of the disaster.

The blast, which occurred on August 4, 2020, resulted in more than 220 deaths, over 6,500 injuries, and widespread destruction across the capital. Authorities attribute the tragedy to a fire that ignited a large quantity of ammonium nitrate fertilizer stored improperly in a warehouse at the port despite repeated warnings to officials.

To date, no individuals have been formally held accountable for the explosion, prompting ongoing demands for justice from victims and their families amid Lebanon’s broader context of political deadlock and institutional challenges.

In a statement, Aoun underscored the necessity of issuing the indictment without further delay, emphasizing that justice involves not only revealing the full truth but also holding responsible all those whose negligence contributed to the catastrophe, regardless of their position. He stressed the judiciary’s critical role in proving its independence and delivering justice, calling the indictment “not just a legal procedure, but a right owed by the living to the martyrs and their families.”

Earlier this year, judicial authorities indicated that Judge Tarek Bitar completed the investigation involving approximately 70 defendants spanning politicians, security and military officials, and public servants. The case has been referred to the public prosecutor, who is reviewing the findings before potentially returning the matter to Bitar for indictment issuance.

The investigation has faced numerous delays and political interference allegations, complicating efforts to hold those responsible accountable. The president’s statement reflects intensified pressure on Lebanon’s judicial system to advance the case amid public frustration over the lack of progress since the devastating blast.