The Ministry of Justice in the caretaker government has issued a circular extending the suspension of court sessions until March 8.
The National News Agency reported on a joint circular from the caretaker Minister of Justice Marie Claude Najm and the President of the Supreme Judicial Council Judge Suhail Aboud announcing the extension of the suspension of court sessions until March 8. The circular stated that, due to the exceptional circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic and in line with the decision dated February 26, 2022, regarding the update of the strategy to confront the coronavirus and the gradual easing of lockdown restrictions, it was decided to continue the suspension of sessions until the morning of March 8, 2021, in all courts and judicial departments, except for sessions related to issuing rulings. Sessions will gradually resume starting from the beginning of the third phase of the gradual easing of lockdown restrictions, i.e., from the morning of March 8, 2021, according to procedures that will be determined later.
The circular also included continuing to address cases of detainees as per directives from the public prosecutors, and requests for the release of the arrested from criminal judicial authorities, in accordance with the circulars issued in this regard by the Supreme Judicial Council and the Attorney General. Additionally, urgent and emergency cases will continue to be reviewed by all competent civil judicial authorities, and the established mechanism as per the circular relating to urgent petitions can also be followed.
All administrative work in the offices will be maintained, including the registration of lawsuits, appeals, and requests, with two employees present in each office, with a rotation between employees under the oversight of the chief judge in each governorate. Emphasis was placed on taking the necessary preventive measures, adhering to all public safety protocols, especially wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and avoiding overcrowding.
