Lebanon’s Interior Minister Ahmed Al-Hajjar and Justice Minister Adel Nassar convened on Wednesday at the Ministry of Interior to discuss pressing issues surrounding the country's prison system and the acceleration of legal proceedings. The meeting, attended by key officials, centered on reforming the judicial process, particularly in Roumieh Prison, as part of efforts to address overcrowding and improve efficiency.

Following the meeting, Minister Nassar emphasized the government's commitment to enhancing the existing court system within Roumieh Prison, with plans to ensure that legal proceedings adhere to the country's laws and safeguard human rights. Nassar expressed optimism that the planned changes would help alleviate the current prison overcrowding while respecting the right to defense and upholding judicial integrity.

"The goal is to activate the court in Roumieh Prison and ensure that all procedures follow the necessary legal framework. We're grateful for the cooperation of the Interior Ministry, as well as the dedication of the lawyers and judges, who are making sacrifices to address overcrowding,” Nassar said.

The Justice Minister confirmed that the implementation of this initiative is moving forward, with plans to begin operating the prison court shortly after completing the necessary steps. He also noted that the work is being done with the best of intentions, aiming to improve Lebanon's image and ensure fairness in legal proceedings.

Addressing the broader scope of the judicial reforms, Nassar explained that the opening of the court in Roumieh is just the first step, and additional measures will follow. He emphasized that the judiciary in Lebanon is impartial, with no distinction made between prisoners in the legal process.

Both ministers highlighted the cooperation between the Interior and Justice Ministries to activate the court, which would significantly reduce the need for transporting prisoners to external courts. Nassar noted that the successful implementation of these measures would also guarantee lawyers’ access to the courtroom and protect the rights of defendants.

For his part, Minister Al-Hajjar pointed to prison overcrowding as a major challenge, stressing that the government is working to expedite trials and resolve cases involving detainees. The activation of the court in Roumieh, Al-Hajjar explained, would contribute to alleviating some of the systemic issues faced by the prison system.

“We are ready, and our goal is to reactivate the court to speed up trials and resolve cases of the convicted, thus reducing overcrowding,” Al-Hajjar said.