Nassar: The judiciary is burdened with cases, and a general amnesty is a decision that rests with Parliament

Justice Minister Adel Nassar said in an interview with Voice of Lebanon radio that the ministry has observations on the draft general amnesty law, which are being discussed during joint parliamentary committee meetings, where the bill is being examined in all its provisions, particularly its stated justifications.

Nassar noted that some views speak of judicial shortcomings in following up on detainees’ cases, but that the reality, as he put it, confirms that the judiciary is carrying out its duties, although the heavy caseload and ongoing crises are affecting the pace of trials.

He pointed out that dysfunctions in the management of society naturally reflect on judicial work, at a time when the number of judges remains limited compared with the volume of cases, leading to delays in adjudicating files.

He added that some countries resort to amnesty laws under exceptional circumstances, but that this issue is decided by Parliament given its political dimensions, which requires a legal and objective approach.

Nassar stressed that the role of the Ministry of Justice is limited to offering observations, while the final decision on the principle of a general amnesty remains within the authority of the legislative branch.

On the issue of the judicial exchange treaty between Lebanon and Syria, he explained that the agreement falls within the framework of treaties in place with other countries and stipulates the possibility of requesting the enforcement of the remainder of a sentence in another country, stressing that this measure does not constitute an amnesty but rather a mechanism for completing the execution of rulings, with some exceptions.