Bkerke: Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi on Monday received Justice Minister Adel Nassar at the Patriarchal See. Minister Nassar stated that the visit was to extend New Year greetings, receive a blessing, and discuss urgent national developments. He emphasized that the judiciary has resumed its work despite challenging circumstances.

According to National News Agency – Lebanon, Nassar confirmed that the investigation into the Beirut port explosion under Judge Tarek Bitar is ongoing, with full support being provided to facilitate the probe. He addressed the appointment of Gracia Qazzi as Director General of Customs, expressing his objection to the promotion due to its timing, despite his adherence to the presumption of innocence.

Nassar stressed the independence of the judicial process, noting that Prime Minister Nawaf Salam had been clear about non-interference, and that any convicted individual would face full legal measures. Nassar also highlighted the strong cooperation between Lebanese and foreign judiciaries, praised Judge Jamal Hajjar, and reaffirmed his commitment to keeping politics out of judicial appointments. He credited Judge Suhail Abboud with safeguarding judicial independence under difficult conditions.