Lebanese Judges’ Association Condemns Referral of Judge Abbas Juha to Judicial Inspection: Protecting Judicial Independence Is a Red Line

The Lebanese Judges’ Association stated in a press release that “the referral of Judge Abbas Juha, advisor at the Permanent Military Court, to judicial inspection by the Minister of Justice, following a ruling issued by this court, constitutes a shocking scandal, undermines the prestige of the judiciary, and represents a blatant attack on its independence. It reflects a persistent mindset that disregards judicial autonomy.”

It added, “Regardless of his political views or party affiliations, the Minister of Justice has no authority to instruct the judiciary on whom to prosecute, how to characterize their actions, or whether they constitute crimes. Certainly, he cannot interfere with a judge’s discretion when issuing a ruling. Moreover, the authority granted to the Minister of Justice under the Judicial Organization Law to refer a judge to inspection is supposed to remain confidential, in accordance with the procedures governing judicial inspections.”

“Therefore, the Lebanese Judges’ Association reminds the Minister of Justice to exercise this power according to proper procedures and to refrain from publicly denouncing a judge, in respect of the judiciary’s prestige and independence.”

The statement concluded:

“Accordingly, while the association stands alongside Judge Abbas Juha in the face of the assault on his independence, it urges the Judicial Inspection Board to take a bold, fair, and appropriate decision to prevent the Minister of Justice from encroaching on the independence of judges and the judiciary, and to shield them from the political and divisive conflicts the country is currently experiencing.”