Beirut: The Kataeb Party held a memorial gathering Monday at its central headquarters in Saifi to mark the fifth anniversary of the Beirut port explosion, honoring the victims and reiterating demands for justice, accountability, and the reassertion of full state authority in Lebanon. Party leader Samy Gemayel opened his remarks by paying tribute to Nazar Najarian, the Kataeb's former Secretary-General, who was among those killed in the August 4, 2020 explosion.
According to National news Agency - Lebanon, Gemayel emphasized that the event conveyed two central messages. First, as the Kataeb Party, they are entrusted with pursuing justice. He noted that the Justice Minister is now providing the necessary conditions for the judiciary to do its work, having removed the obstacles that once stalled the investigation. Gemayel assured that the party, which holds the justice portfolio in the current government, has deliberately kept its distance from the probe to allow the investigating judge to proceed independently. Thanks to Minister Adel Nassar, the investigation has resumed after being frozen for three years, and an indictment is expected soon.
Gemayel paid tribute to the Kataeb members who perished in the blast, describing them as heroes and vibrant comrades. He linked the deadly blast to deeper structural failures within the Lebanese state, arguing that the tragedy was the outcome of years of state erosion, political dysfunction, and the unchecked presence of armed groups. He stated that such a catastrophe would not occur in a country governed by the rule of law and urged for the Lebanese people to no longer live in fear of another August 4.
Calling for a shift in national priorities, Gemayel said Lebanon's resources and energy should focus on development and rebuilding. He urged the President and Prime Minister to recognize the critical moment and move Lebanon from chaos and militias toward accountability and law. Gemayel highlighted the upcoming Cabinet session, during which ministers are expected to discuss illegal arms, as a historic opportunity to protect all Lebanese and restore sovereignty across the territory.
Gemayel addressed those opposed to disarmament, notably Hezbollah, stating that the state must act responsibly to protect its people. He emphasized the urgency for Lebanon to build a real state to avoid another catastrophe like August 4 or a new war.