Minister of Justice Adel Nassar addressed the necessity of judicial accountability for political assassinations during a discussion session held in Beirut on 21 October 2026. The Minister focused his remarks on the dangers of public indifference toward violent acts, warning against "التعود على الجريمة" (the habituation to crime). During the session, he emphasized that the passage of time does not absolve the state of its obligation to pursue justice for these incidents. Asserting that legal systems must remain vigilant in their pursuit of perpetrators regardless of how much time has passed, Adel Nassar stated, "الوقت لا يجب أن ينسينا الجرائم" (time must not make us forget the crimes). His comments come as Lebanon seeks to address long-standing concerns regarding political violence and institutional transparency.
The Minister utilized this platform to show his commitment to addressing systemic failures within the legal framework. He spoke during a discussion session regarding judicial accountability for political assassinations, noting that the integrity of the state depends on its ability to investigate and prosecute those responsible for such acts. By speaking at this event, Adel Nassar aimed to reiterate the state’s duty to uphold the rule of law in the face of ongoing challenges.
Four Pillars of Justice
Adel Nassar defined his proposed strategy for judicial reform through four pillars. These foundations consist of refusing to forget past events, formally acknowledging the suffering experienced by victims, rejecting the absence of legal accountability, and actively working toward national truth and reconciliation.
He identified the Beirut port explosion as a specific case that notes fundamental questions regarding the role of the judiciary and the delivery of justice. Legal proceedings surrounding this incident remain a primary focus for observers monitoring the state of institutional oversight in Lebanon. Nassar included the Beirut port explosion as a case that raises questions about justice and the role of the judiciary, emphasizing that the complexities of this specific event require a transparent and unwavering legal process.
Adel Nassar maintained that the passage of time should not lead to the abandonment of accountability for past crimes. He cautioned that allowing significant periods to elapse without resolution threatens to normalize impunity. Persistent efforts remain necessary to ensure that historical grievances do not fade from public consciousness or legal review. Nassar emphasized that the passage of time should not lead to forgetting or abandoning the pursuit of accountability for past crimes, arguing that the moral and legal weight of these incidents remains constant regardless of the calendar.
As the Minister outlined his vision, he stressed that the four pillars for his approach—no forgetting, acknowledging the pain of victims, rejecting the absence of accountability, and working toward national truth and reconciliation—are essential for restoring public confidence in the judicial system. By centering his policy on these principles, Adel Nassar hopes to create a more resilient legal environment that can address the grievances of the past while providing a framework for future stability. The Minister’s address serves as a formal declaration of his priorities as the government continues to navigate the complexities of justice in Lebanon.
