Beirut: The third edition of the "Rule of Law" Forum commenced today at the Movenpick Hotel in 2025, organized by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung institution in collaboration with the SADER Foundation. The event featured participation from Minister of Information, Attorney Dr. Paul Morcos, Minister of Justice, Attorney Adel Nassar, and various diplomatic, judicial, academic, and media figures.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Minister Morcos, in his speech, highlighted the distinction between traditional law and legal principles. He noted that in Lebanon, law often evokes fear and authoritarianism, whereas a legal framework based on human rights standards reassures citizens. He emphasized that the legal framework prioritizes rights and freedoms, serving as a tool for citizen protection.
Morcos further argued that the application of the rule of law and justice surpasses theoretical legal interpretations. He stressed the importance of practical rights application, particularly for individuals in positions of responsibility unrelated to court rulings or strict legal adherence.
The Information Minister underscored that the Ministry of Information's responsibilities extend beyond media to include legislation and justice. He announced plans for a new media law, replacing the outdated thirty-year-old regulation. This new law aims to guarantee media freedom, protect journalists, and establish an independent body for journalist accountability, aligning with human rights and justice in media.
Justice Minister Adel Nassar called on both public and private sector officials, as well as society, to view the rule of law as essential for defining obligations, prosecuting corruption, and ensuring legal security. He explained that legal security prevents arbitrariness and selectivity, stressing that public authority and individuals must adhere to the law to maintain the legal system and human rights.
Nassar warned that Lebanon faces a critical choice between building a state of law or descending into chaos, with political accountability being as crucial as judicial accountability for legal state building.
German Ambassador to Lebanon, Kurt Georg Stillfried, acknowledged the Konrad Adenauer Foundation's efforts in promoting democratic governance and legal dialogue in Lebanon, noting the country's role as a platform for essential societal discussions.