Lebanon: three judges resign to denounce political interference

About fifteen appeals were lodged against the examining magistrate Tarek Bitar with the aim of withdrawing him from the file on the double explosion in the Beirut prot.

(illustrative image) JOSEPH EID AFP / File

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Three women judges tendered their resignations on Thursday 25 November to protest against political pressure and attacks on the credibility of justice.

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With our correspondent in Beirut

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The resignation of the three judges comes in a context of arm wrestling that has lasted for months between justice and part of the political class.

The investigation into the double explosion at the port of Beirut is hampered by political interference in an attempt to prevent the investigating judge from prosecuting former ministers and deputies.

About fifteen appeals were filed against Judge Tarek Bitar with the aim of withdrawing him from the case.

The feud over the port investigation has brought the government to a standstill, which has not met for over a month.

An investigation against the governor of the Central Bank, Riad Salamé, for embezzlement and corruption was also suspended after proceedings against the judge in charge of the investigation.

In addition to political interference, magistrates are affected by the economic and financial crisis that is hitting Lebanon.

Judges' salaries have been devalued due to the depreciation of the Lebanese pound and price inflation.

The resignation of judges Jeannette Hanna, Roula Husseini and Carla Kassis has not yet been accepted.

The Superior Council of the Magistracy fears a crisis which risks paralyzing the judiciary.

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• Lebanon

• Justice