From Beirut Blast anniversary vigil and protest, Beirut, Lebanon, 04/08/2021 by David Sladek

Public Story

From Beirut Blast anniversary vigil and protest, Beirut, Lebanon, 04/08/2021

Copyright David Sladek 2024

Date of Work Aug 2021 - Aug 2021

Updated Aug 2021

Location Beirut

Topics Beirut Blast, Documentary, Photography, Photojournalism, Protests, Revolution

One year since deadly blast in the Beirut port killed over 200 people, injured thousands and more still stropped of homes and possessions, Lebanese mourn victims of the explosion and of the political elite, whom they blame not only for knowingly allowing the catastrophy but also for driving the country on the brink of total financial, political and social colapse. Tens of thousands took to the street to pay respect to firefighters who were sent to certain death to the port just before the explosion, and all the other victims including little children. Small party of relatives of the victims was allowed to the epicentre where a ceremony was prepared though many Lebanese criticised it as a stunt from a government who till now was unable to admit its responsibility. At 6.07 pm bells started ringing and all ambulance and fire rescue cars blew their horns as names of the victims were read by the organizers of the vigil pongnantly centered around a statue of Lebanese emigrant on the edge fo worst hit Karantina area, which, to surprise of everyone, stood the blast unharmed. After the ceremony, thousands marched to Martyr's square and adjacent Parliament which has been baricaded since the Lebanese Thawra (revolution) started in 17th October 2019. Clashes with security took long into the night, when protesters were subjected to water canons and tear gas granades.

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David Sladek

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