Antoun el-Fata - "Akhbar al-Yawm"

Rebuilding Lebanon's Judiciary: Key to Effective Reforms and a Rule of Law State

Judge Sader: Lebanese judiciary no longer requires reform, but rather "reconstruction"

As Lebanon rushes to implement reforms, the real challenge lies in fixing the judiciary, the foundation for any true and lasting change. Without a strong, independent legal system, reforms risk becoming superficial, manipulated by political interests.

Former head of the State Shura Council, Judge Shukri Sader, stressed that any serious effort to build a state governed by law must begin with strengthening the judiciary. He said restoring public confidence requires a judicial system that is fair, independent, and bold.

Speaking to the "Akhbar al-Yawm" agency, Sader noted that the Lebanese judiciary no longer simply needs reform, but full reconstruction. He blamed years of deterioration on a rogue political class that thrives on disorder and has systematically weakened the judiciary by sidelining both legislative and executive institutions.

Judge Chukri Sader stressed that Lebanon’s political class has consistently worked to weaken the judiciary, blocking reforms like those proposed by Judge Souheil Abboud. He said rebuilding the judiciary starts with filling key leadership vacancies, such as the recent appointments of Judge Jamal Al-Hajjar and Judge Ayman Oueidat. These steps, he noted, are essential to restoring judicial function, accountability, and the proper operation of the Supreme Judicial Council.

Judge Sader stated that Lebanon is laying the groundwork for a judiciary defined by integrity, expertise, and courage, essential traits for upholding the rule of law. With key positions now filled, the Supreme Judicial Council is ready to launch general judicial appointments, which must be based on clear, merit-based criteria, free from political interference.

He added that judges are now under close scrutiny, and those who deviate from core principles should step aside. While rebuilding a judiciary, and fighting decades-long corruption requires time, he affirmed that achieving a qualitative shift and rehabilitation cannot happen quickly.