Mourning, despair and anger drive people in the Lebanese capital Beirut onto the streets on Wednesday evening. Mourning for their loved ones who they lost in the explosion in the port a year ago. Despair because the situation in the country is getting worse – day by day. And anger at the government who could have prevented the drama.
The population gathers at 6:07 a.m. at the port and observes a minute’s silence. The sirens of the fire brigades and ambulances boom. Waving flags.
One year later: That was how blatant the explosion in Beirut was(01:14)
Tear gas and rubber shot
Then the people set off and walked towards Parliament. Army and police shield the building. The situation escalates within minutes.
Demonstrators throw stones at officials, fire rockets and Molotov cocktails, and set fire to debris. The police and army responded with tear gas and rubber shot, firing into the crowd. On civilians, protesters, journalists. A street battle on the anniversary after the tragedy.
On the evening of August 4, 2020, hundreds of tons of ammonium nitrate explode in a warehouse in Beirut. More than 200 people die and 6,000 are injured. Adjacent residential areas are destroyed within seconds, the residents without a roof over their heads.
“Better to rule over nothing”
The government speaks of an accident. But the human rights organization Human Rights Watch (HRW) provided evidence that the explosion could have been prevented. Despite several warnings about the highly explosive substance, she did not react, it was still inadequately secured and poorly stored.
The population demands justice. Protester Henry said on Wednesday evening to Blick: “We are ruled by corrupt people who don’t care about the country. You’d rather rule over nothing than give up control. “
One year later: That was how blatant the explosion in Beirut was(01:14)
Many people in Beirut still lack essentials. 70 percent of households asked for support after the disaster. 98 percent of them still need help, especially money for food.