Nassar and Rai discuss independence of judiciary, Aug. 4 and Hezbollah arsenal

Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai received newly appointed Justice Minister Adel Nassar in Bkerkeh on Friday, wishing him "success" in his new role and emphasizing that Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s government enjoys "the trust of the people and the international community," the state-run National News Agency reported.

Nassar, who is aligned with the Kataeb party, said he briefed Rai on developments within the ministry, particularly regarding judicial independence and long-awaited judicial appointments that have been stalled for five years. He assured that these appointments would be based on "competence, integrity, and independence" from political factions.

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Beirut port investigation: Prosecutor’s office back on track

Bitar’s investigation "must not be hindered"

On the investigation into the Aug. 4, 2020, Beirut port explosions, which was reopened by Judge Tarek Bitar on Feb. 7, Nassar stated that he "does not have the right to interfere" but insisted that all relevant information "must be made available" to the investigating judge, whose work "must not be hindered." He added that the timing of the indictment remains "within the authority" of Bitar.

The judicial probe into the blast, which killed 235 people and injured more than 6,500, has been ongoing for four and a half years but remains unresolved. Bitar’s work has faced significant obstacles and political interference, delaying progress. The explosion was caused by the negligent storage of hundreds of tons of ammonium nitrate in a port warehouse.

No state reform without monopoly on weapons

Addressing the issue of Hezbollah’s weapons — an issue Rai has repeatedly raised due to the group's allegiance to Iran and its involvement in the war against Israel since October 2023 — Nassar argued that "it is impossible to build a state" without exclusive state control over weapons.

"The ministerial declaration must be implemented, particularly regarding the monopoly of weapons in the hands of the state, as this is the only way to ensure reforms," he said, adding that Lebanon must "set a timetable" for Hezbollah’s disarmament. "All parties must choose to build the state," he said.