On the fifth anniversary of the Beirut Port explosion, MP Salim Sayegh on Monday condemned what he described as a pervasive culture of impunity in Lebanon, particularly when the crime is clear and the accused obstruct justice.

Speaking to Voice of Lebanon radio, Sayegh said the explosion’s aftermath revealed a “rule of impunity” that prevails when suspectsin refuse to cooperate with investigations. He accused the Resistance Axis of blocking justice to hide critical truths, notably “who originally stored the materials and ultimately who protects them.”

Sayegh directly blamed Hezbollah for its expanding control over Lebanon’s state institutions.

“Day by day, we uncover the extent of Hezbollah’s grip on public institutions, both visible and behind the scenes,” he said, holding responsible “all those allied with this system who shield political and judicial officials refusing to submit to investigation.”

“Anyone who belongs to this system, who collaborates with it, or who shields politically or legally responsible figures by refusing to cooperate with the investigation, shares responsibility.”

While calling for justice for the victims, Sayegh emphasized that the call for justice must extend beyond individuals to the entire Lebanese society.

“This is not only about the victims; it is about justice for a nation deeply wounded, with its capital devastated,” he said. “There is a public right to justice.”

Acknowledging the irreplaceable loss suffered by families, Sayegh stressed that the only solace lies in issuing the indictment, which would put justice back on course and lay the foundation for a clean, accountable state.

While calling for justice for the victims—whether they were performing their duties, at home, at work, or simply passing by—Sayegh emphasized the need for a broader form of national justice.

“What we’re demanding is not just justice for the individuals,” he said, “but justice for a wounded society and a broken nation. The entire country was harmed, its capital was slaughtered. This is a matter of public right.”

Sayegh expressed frustration at politicians who continue to evade accountability by exploiting parliamentary or ministerial immunity. “It is disgraceful that some choose to debate public matters rather than submit themselves to judicial scrutiny,” he added.

Ending on a note of hope, Sayegh called on all Lebanese to unite in rebuilding the state and reclaiming citizens’ rights.

“We are on the path back to a functioning state and restoring the rights of the people,” he said. “Our major political struggle is for a healthy society and a thriving economy. The investigation will expose what has long been hidden—there will be no political compromises and no escape from accountability.”