The "Gathering of Families of Beirut Port Explosion's Victims, Injured, and Affected" on Monday issued a statement condemning the Strong Republic's interference in the case following the parliamentary bloc's demand that Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, retract circulars against lead investigator Tarek Bitar. The group criticized the Lebanese Forces for its "blatant involvement" in the case over the past four years, which they claim contributed to divisions among the victims' families. The statement emphasized that 'neither the Lebanese Forces nor any other party has the right to interfere, especially since many victims' families reject Bitar, accusing him of betraying their cause.' Source: National news agency - Lebanon