Dar Ifta of Baalbek-Hermel Governorate: We Place This File Under the Custody of the Judiciary

The Media Office at the Dar Ifta of Baalbek-Hermel Governorate issued the following statement:

"O you who believe! If a wicked person comes to you with news, verify it, lest you harm people in ignorance, and afterwards you become regretful."

In light of what has been circulated recently through media outlets and social networking platforms regarding data and leaks related to a judicial file mentioning the name of His Eminence's son, Adam, and out of a desire to put things in their proper perspective based on religious, national, and moral responsibility, we find it necessary to clarify the following:
Firstly: In Respect for the Judiciary and State Sovereignty
His Eminence committed himself from the very first moment investigations began to maintain complete silence. This was not to diminish the significance of what is being raised, but rather out of absolute respect for the prestige and independence of the judiciary, adherence to the confidentiality of the investigation, and to ensure that no stance issued by His Eminence is interpreted as interference in the course of justice or an attempt to influence its proceedings. We believe in the state and its institutions as the sole refuge for everyone, and we place this entire file under the custody of the competent Lebanese judiciary and relevant security agencies, trusting in their integrity and ability to reveal the truth completely without any ambiguity.
Secondly: On the Principle of Accountability and Non-Cover-Up
The position of Ifta, representing a religious and national trust, obligates us to be among the first to adhere to the ceiling of the law. Accordingly, we clearly and unequivocally confirm that we do not cover up anyone, nor do we accept that our name, position, or title be exploited in any private or public matter. Responsibility in Sharia and law is individual and personal; whoever is proven by a fair judicial ruling to have erred or violated the law must bear the full consequences of their actions. Conversely, we remind everyone of the right of every citizen to the presumption of innocence and legitimate self-defense, far from defamation which differs from freedom of expression, and we emphasize the principle of respecting the law, particularly regarding not interfering with the investigation process and its privacy at this stage, such as photographing court records, for example and not limited to.
Thirdly: To the Media and Public Opinion
We urge all media outlets to exercise accuracy and objectivity, avoiding preconceived judgments and media trials that preempt judicial decisions and undermine the dignity of people and their institutions, and to await the final word from official investigations, which alone possess the truth.
In conclusion, we ask God Almighty to protect our homeland Lebanon, to manifest the truth as truth and grant us the ability to follow it. Indeed, He is the best Guardian and the best Helper.