Title: "Kataeb Party": Pressuring Judges is an Intimidation Tactic

The Kataeb Party rejected the "unjust" decision by the Minister of Justice to refer the Judges' Club to judicial inspection. It viewed this step as an abuse of power against judges known for their integrity and their strong voices in advocating for judicial reform, as well as their handling of major cases such as the Beirut Port explosion, their support for small depositors, and human rights issues. The party considered that attempts to intimidate judges through referrals for investigation or by constraining them extend beyond the judiciary and are connected to a renewed practice of intimidation by the authorities in all areas, especially concerning freedoms and anti-corruption efforts. It emphasized the illegality of the referral, stating that the club possesses an independent legal personality and that judicial inspection has no authority in this matter. The party confirmed that issues of opinion, freedoms, judicial reform, and demand for rights do not contradict the obligation of confidentiality mentioned by the minister; rather, they contribute to preserving what remains of justice and honest judges in Lebanon. The party called on the Minister of Justice to retract his decision and to focus on more effective matters, such as addressing the dilapidated state of courthouses, pushing for the completion of the investigation into the Beirut Port tragedy, addressing the judges’ miserable conditions, filling vacancies, resolving jurisdictional disputes, and expediting trials.