Bkerke Upset: The Issue Will Not End with Statements of Condemnation

The paralysis of the country due to escalating crises, coupled with the paralysis of public administration and the ongoing strike of the public sector, is overshadowed by a greater paralysis represented by the complete absence of authority in addressing any living, economic, financial, or political issues. As the era characterized by failure for six years approaches its end, there seems to be no near resolution for the suffering of the Lebanese people, who wake up every day to a new event or crisis. The latest matter capturing public attention is the case of the Patriarchal Deputy for the Archdiocese of Haifa, the Holy Land, and Jordan, Bishop Moussa Al-Haj, which escalated to the point of demanding the dismissal of Judge Fadi Akiki by Bkerke, after finding no convincing reason to detain the bishop. Sources from the patriarchal edifice confirmed their accusation against certain political entities to which some judges belong, asserting through "Anbaa" that if there were an independent judiciary, Bkerke would not be upset about this. The sources noted that "there is a clearly known group that issues rulings and decisions, choosing whom to arrest and whom to exonerate, holding power over all aspects of the country." They stated that "the issue will not end with statements of condemnation, as Bishop Al-Haj is neither a drug trafficker nor was he smuggling weapons, flour, bread, or fuel through illegal crossings," questioning, "What sin has he committed, and was he dealing with the Israeli enemy?" The sources demanded the restoration of dignity and an apology to Bishop Al-Haj for the mistreatment he has faced.