Since his appointment, Lebanese Justice Minister Adib Nassar has remained steadfast in pursuing three key reform objectives: passing a law to guarantee the independence of the judiciary, shielding the Beirut port explosion investigation from political interference, and ensuring that judicial appointments are based solely on merit rather than political quotas. These goals have served as the backbone of his reform agenda and have guided the ministry’s work over the past 100 days.

Judicial Independence Law Enacted

One of Minister Nassar’s most significant accomplishments has been the passage of the long-awaited law on judicial independence. The law’s approval came after a collaborative and inclusive process involving the head of the Higher Judicial Council, the president of the Judicial Inspection Authority, and significant contributions from judges, lawyers, and civil society figures such as legal expert Dr. Nizar Saghieh and former Minister Marie-Claude Najm.

A four-day policy retreat hosted by the minister at his residence in Bikfaya allowed stakeholders to draft the law’s core provisions. The Ministry of Justice then continued refining the text to ensure clarity and legal soundness. The final version was unanimously approved by the Council of Ministers and received broad support from key judicial bodies, notably the Higher Judicial Council and the Beirut Bar Association.

This landmark legislation is now seen as a cornerstone in Lebanon’s effort to safeguard judicial independence and shield the judiciary from political meddling. It marks a turning point in restoring public trust in the justice system.

Advancing the Beirut Port Blast Investigation

The Justice Ministry has also devoted major attention to protecting the integrity of the investigation into the 2020 Beirut port explosion. From the outset, Minister Nassar made it a top priority to ensure that the investigative judge had the conditions necessary to conduct his work freely and independently.

As part of these efforts, the ministry invited a team of French investigators to assist in exchanging information and strengthening transparency. The collaboration aimed to enhance the credibility of the investigation and provide additional technical support. The ministry has remained engaged throughout, working to ensure that the probe stays on course, prevent any external interference, and uncover the full truth in order to hold those responsible accountable.

Merit-Based Judicial Appointments

Minister Nassar also succeeded in carrying out judicial appointments on a strictly professional basis, free of political influence or sectarian power-sharing. New members of both the Higher Judicial Council and the Judicial Inspection Authority were appointed using objective, transparent criteria centered on qualifications and competence.

These merit-based selections have earned praise across legal circles and are viewed as a key step toward reestablishing confidence in the judicial system. By excluding political favoritism from the process, the ministry signaled a serious commitment to impartial justice and institutional integrity.

Additional Initiatives

Beyond these primary objectives, Minister Nassar has spearheaded several other initiatives to strengthen the justice sector. These include the reactivation of the courtroom inside Roumieh Prison, allowing for in-prison hearings to reduce transfer burdens, and the organization of a high-level conference on the relationship between the judiciary and the media. The event sought to enhance transparency and foster constructive engagement between legal institutions and the press.

As chair of the board of the Arab Center for Legal and Judicial Research, an affiliate of the Arab League, Minister Nassar reactivated Lebanon’s participation in the Arab Prosecutors’ Forum. After a long absence, Lebanon’s return was warmly received, signaling a renewed regional presence in judicial affairs.

Deepening French-Lebanese Judicial Cooperation

Minister Nassar’s reform drive has also extended to international partnerships. During an official visit to Paris, he met with key French judicial officials including Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, First President of the Court of Cassation Christophe Soulard, Public Prosecutor Rémy Heitz, Judicial Inspection Secretary General Stéphane Noël, and Director of the National School for the Judiciary Jérémy Pellet.

These meetings, supported by French Ambassador to Lebanon Hervé Magro, focused on expanding bilateral cooperation and judicial capacity-building. The visit reflected Lebanon’s firm intention to align with international standards and deepen professional ties with its European counterparts.

Senior French Delegation Expected in Lebanon

In an exclusive statement to kataeb.org, Minister Nassar announced that a high-level French delegation will soon visit Lebanon to further strengthen judicial cooperation between the two countries. The visit is expected to open new avenues for legal collaboration and reform, reinforcing the momentum for institutional development in Lebanon’s legal system.

On the Ground During Municipal Elections

In addition to his institutional efforts, Minister Nassar made a point to be physically present during the municipal elections. He closely monitored the voting process at multiple polling stations, demonstrating a hands-on approach to ensuring the elections were conducted with transparency and fairness.

His active involvement was aimed at ensuring that the process remained free of political manipulation and upheld the highest standards of integrity and transparency. His presence underscored a personal commitment to safeguarding both the electoral process and public confidence in Lebanon’s democratic and judicial institutions.

Through these achievements, the Ministry of Justice has not only fulfilled the priorities set by Minister Nassar at the beginning of his term but has also made tangible progress across multiple fronts. From landmark legislation to judicial integrity and international cooperation, his work reflects a broader vision of restoring justice, strengthening institutions, and rebuilding public confidence in Lebanon’s fragile state apparatus.

This is the English adaptation of an article originally posted on Kataeb.org by Chady Hilani.