“No matter who they are… Nassar: Reopening assassination files is necessary to combat terrorism”

Lebanon Today

Minister of Justice, Adel Nassar, stated in his speech during the regional conference on international judicial cooperation in combating terrorism, its challenges, and exploring the prospects for action related to foreign terrorist fighters, that this meeting represents a serious step towards uniting the efforts of Arab countries in the field of justice and combating terrorism, especially in confronting the phenomenon of foreign fighters.

Nassar added: “I am honored to represent you today as the Minister of Justice in the Lebanese Republic, and as the President of the Arab Institute for Judicial Studies affiliated with the League of Arab States,” emphasizing that the patronage of the President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, for this conference carries great significance, as he is “a man who stood as a bulwark against the dangers of terrorism, whether in the field through his previous role as the commander of the Lebanese army or by leading the country as President of the Republic, leading the workshop of building a state of law and institutions.”

Minister Nassar added: “Lebanon has suffered greatly and lost many of its sons and men who fell victim to terrorism. Today, after restoring its sovereignty, we must work hard to build a strong state that is at the forefront of the fight against terrorism.”

Nassar continued: “In Lebanon, we have confronted terrorism that targets the state and its institutions, and we have also faced terrorism that threatens society and people’s daily lives. We have witnessed many terrorist operations and political assassinations, and civilians have been harmed by car bombs and targeting gatherings, markets, and public places.”

He pointed out that the judiciary and security agencies are the first line of defense in the face of terrorism, as the state cannot protect its society or maintain the rule of law without an independent and effective judiciary, “which gives the procedures their fair character and ensures a balance between security and freedoms.”

In this context, Minister Nassar explained that the ministry has reopened the political assassination files related to terrorism, saying: “Combating terrorism begins with holding its perpetrators accountable, whoever they may be. There is no justice without accountability, no security without trust in the judiciary, and no terrorist crime is dropped by silence.”

He also affirmed that activating the role of the judiciary and international cooperation are essential elements to ensure the achievement of effective justice and to confront terrorism with courage and transparency, noting the participation of the Arab Center in these efforts, and the importance of studying the establishment of Arab Just similar to Euro Just.

Nassar stated: “Terrorism is not defeated by isolation, but by solidarity, not by force alone, but by justice, prevention, education, and reconciliation with society.” He added: “We must work together to confront the ideologies that call for violence and seek to impose their plans through terrorism and intimidation, and to turn fear and destruction into a means of seizing power or a tool for maintaining it.”

Minister Nassar concluded his speech by saying: “The security of the Arabs is one and their destiny is one, and Lebanon – despite all the challenges – will remain a believer in justice and Arab solidarity in the face of this common danger, and we will work together for the stability of the region and the protection of freedom, security and peace for our societies.”