Free Patriotic Movement: We Are Against Pardon for the Criminal

The Free Patriotic Movement responded through its official account on the X platform to statements made by MP Brigadier General Amin Gemayel, stating: "Honorable MP Brigadier General Amin Gemayel, first, our objection is not against fairness toward the detained Muslim individuals who are wronged, but against turning their case into a gateway for a wide pardon encompassing approximately 5,800 individuals and multiple crimes, while the number of convicted Muslims affected is around 250 people. We have clearly stated that we support addressing the situation of those whose detention has been prolonged without trial, not using their case as justification for a blanket pardon—indeed, we presented a law on this matter in 2005.

Second, it is true that the Minister of Justice does not issue rulings from the military court, but this does not answer the question: what did you do, as Minister of Justice, to address an issue that was before you at the time? In the same year, 2016, families of the detained Muslims stood in front of your home demanding faster trials for their sons. What was needed was a political and judicial initiative to rectify injustice—not waiting ten years and then shifting responsibility onto others.

Third, there is no need to rewrite the history of your resignation. Your statement at the time is available, mentioning Hezbollah, the Michel Samaan case, institutional paralysis, and relations with Saudi Arabia. But confrontation should not be measured solely by the decision to resign; it should also be measured by what a responsible official does when authority and responsibility lie in their hands.

Therefore, instead of turning the appeal into a conflict with the Sunni community, let us stay focused on the core issue:

We stand for justice for the wronged, and against pardon for the criminal. We support the right of the detainee to a fair trial, just as we support the right of the army, its martyrs, and the victims to justice.