The "Lebanese Judges Association" announced that "contrary to the usual practice of appointing the highest-ranked or oldest judge to fill the vacancy of the public prosecutor or the chief investigating judge in the governorates, in accordance with the provisions of the judicial law, what has occurred recently constitutes an unacceptable deviation." It questioned: "Where do we stand regarding these principles? Why is there 'personalization' in the selection concerning the position of chief investigating judge in Beirut? Can justice be achieved through revenge, whims, or malice? This practice has undoubtedly brought the judiciary in Lebanon to its current state and will continue to undermine it until it gasps its last breath."
It added: "In this context, it is essential to note that more than seventy judges have been prevented from being distributed to the courts that urgently need them due to disputes over positions, despite the fact that more than two years have passed since the majority of them graduated. It is hoped that their distribution will be based on objective standards and clear principles while awaiting the enactment of an effective law for the independence of the judiciary, where the judiciary has the final word without any interference from any political or sectarian authority."
It is noteworthy that the President of the Court of Appeals in Beirut, Judge Habib Rizkallah, decided to assign Judge Wael Sadiq as the acting head of the investigation department following the retirement of Chief Investigating Judge Charbel Abu Samra on November 9th.
