The Minister of Justice in the caretaker government, Marie Claude Najm, and the President of the Supreme Judicial Council, Judge Suhail Aboud, issued a joint circular regarding the suspension of court sessions and judicial departments.
The circular stated: "Due to the deteriorating conditions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and in accordance with the decision regarding updating the COVID-19 response strategy issued on 6/2/2021, we decide the following:
1- To continue suspending sessions until the morning of 22/2/2021, in all courts and judicial departments except for sessions for issuing judgments.
2- To continue processing requests for the release of detainees by the criminal judicial authorities, in accordance with the circulars issued in this regard by the Supreme Judicial Council and the Public Prosecutor.
3- To continue processing urgent and emergency cases at the competent civil judicial authorities, where the established mechanism can be followed according to the circular issued in this regard concerning orders on petitions.
4- To ensure the operation of urgent and critical administrative work in the clerks' offices, at a minimum level and through the presence of one employee, with a rotation among employees determined by the chief president in each governorate, while emphasizing the necessity of taking necessary preventive measures, adhering to all public safety measures, especially wearing masks, social distancing, and avoiding overcrowding.
