The Justice Palace in Beirut. (Credit: NNA/File photo)
BEIRUT — The Judges' Club, an association of independent magistrates, issued a statement on Friday reaffirming its commitment to freedom of expression and the need for a law that protects independence of judiciary.
"The Club is compelled to reiterate a principle enshrined in the Lebanese Constitution and international treaties, namely the right to freedom of expression and opinion, an inherent and inalienable right for every individual, regardless of pressures or trials. In our commitment to upholding the hope of a rule of law, we publicly declare our deep attachment to this right as judges," the association's statement stated.
This statement comes two days after Caretaker Lebanese Minister of Justice Henri Khoury referred approximately 114 judges and members of the Judges' Club to the Judicial Inspection for not complying with a ministerial decision regarding the media.
The Judges' Club is dedicated to combating corruption and defending the rights and independence of judiciary from political influence. Founded in 2018 and a member of the International Union of Judges (94 associations worldwide), it is an independent voice in the context of a deteriorating Lebanese judiciary that urgently requires reforms.
Last April, Khoury issued a circular prohibiting judges from "appearing in the media and expressing their opinions without prior authorization." The Judges' Club did not comply with these instructions, continuing to express its critical positions against a justice system it sees as paralyzed by political interference through statements released on social and other media.
"Recent developments once again underscore the need to enact a law that genuinely guarantees the independence of the judiciary," the Judges' Club added in its statement. This demand is essential for a robust rule of law that cannot exist without an independent, fair and competent judicial system.
The Club urged the political class to "turn words into action and expedite, each within their area of competence, the adoption of a law that effectively preserves independence, by applying the principle of the separation of powers without hesitation or reluctance."
The decision to refer approximately 114 judges to the Judicial Inspection was preceded by at least two summonses to President of the Judges' Club Faisal Makki in recent months. No measures have been taken against him to date.