In a recent opinion piece published in the French newspaper Le Monde, the Lebanese-British artist Mika denounced the “parody of justice” in Lebanon‘s reaction to the Beirut blast.
His words fell on the 9th-month anniversary of the traumatic event. Mika, born in Beirut, expressed shame in his birth country’s state that has led “paradise to ruin.”
He remembered the promise made by resigned Prime Minister Hassan Diab that those responsible for the blast would be held accountable. Nine months later, Diab “continues to manage daily affairs, the investigating judge in charge of the investigation has been challenged,” Mika noted.
“This parody of justice is like a second explosion, a second death for the victims and their families,” he lamented.
“My country is dying and its children find themselves held hostage, paralyzed by misfortune, stunned by disasters: the port (explosion), the coronavirus, and the economic crisis.”
“My country is dying, and the international community turns a blind eye,” he said, as he called for action.
“I call on the Lebanese, the political figures of the country, the lovers of Lebanon, the diaspora, the international community, and the humanitarian organizations to act in their place. Don’t let a country die. Don’t let predators win. It is urgent to change the political system, to form a new social contract. It is our responsibility, children of Lebanon who have grown up,” he urged.
Mika’s call was also published last week in Style Magazine Italia where he launched this appeal to the Lebanese and international community.
Mika, who takes pride in his Lebanese roots, has been deeply concerned with Beirut since the blast. Last year, he organized a heartfelt live performance, which was supported by high-profile celebrities such as Salma Hayek and Kylie Minogue, raising $1.7 million for Beirut.
