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Tuesday 13 May 2025 13:42:01
Justice Minister Adel Nassar on Monday emphasized the importance of building a strong state governed by law, voicing unwavering support for an independent judiciary and the exclusive right of the Lebanese state to bear arms.
In an interview on Hala Arabia TV, Nassar underscored that Lebanon must finally move past a history of armed conflict. A key condition for achieving that, he added, is for the state to have sole authority over arms.
“Everyone who took up arms in Lebanon eventually came to regret it,” he said. “It’s time we all agree on the need to build a state. One of the basic foundations of that is ensuring that weapons are in the hands of the state, and the state alone.”
Nassar rejected the idea that this vision would sideline any political faction, insisting that strengthening state institutions does not equate to marginalizing any party.
On the judicial front, Nassar outlined three main priorities for his ministry: reviving the stalled investigation into the 2020 Beirut port explosion, enacting a long-awaited law guaranteeing judicial independence, and finalizing key judicial appointments.
“I won’t allow anyone to dictate what I should do,” he said, adding that the proposed law on judicial independence is designed to shield the judiciary from political influence and prevent it from becoming a platform for electoral posturing. He said the plan includes giving judges the right to elect their own representatives to the Higher Judicial Council.
Touching on the devastating 2020 port explosion that killed more than 200 people and left thousands wounded, Nassar acknowledged the profound human toll of the tragedy.
“I understand the victims’ need for answers. While we don’t yet know when the investigative judge will issue the indictment, I will do everything in my power to make sure we get to the truth,” he said.
He noted that the judiciary is regaining momentum and credibility, sending a clear signal that it intends to move forward without fear or hesitation.
“There will be no repeat of what happened before. Wafiq Safa will not be visiting the Justice Palace again,” he said, referring to the September 2021 incident in which Hezbollah security chief Wafiq Safa allegedly stormed the courthouse and threatened to remove lead port blast investigator Judge Tarek Bitar.
For the judiciary to rebuild public trust, Nassar said, it must focus on serious work and steer clear of media-driven confrontations.
“I won’t be dragged into public showdowns or propaganda battles at the expense of judicial work. I’m committed to protecting the judiciary from political interference,” he said.
Nassar praised Judicial Inspection Authority President Judge Ayman Oueidat and Higher Judicial Council chief Judge Suhail Abboud for their professionalism and integrity, particularly in overseeing judicial appointments.
He also described coordination between the Justice Ministry and the Higher Judicial Council as “very strong,” dismissing claims of political meddling.
“Kataeb leader Samy Gemayel has never interfered in my work, not once, especially when it comes to judicial appointments,” he noted.
Nassar closed by reaffirming President Joseph Aoun’s support for an independent judiciary.
“President Aoun is fully committed to this issue and signed off on the new judicial appointments without any hesitation,” he said, emphasizing that the choices made were not subjected to any external pressure.
