Landlords' Union Condemns Attempts to Obstruct Law Enforcement

The Landlords' Union declared its absolute rejection of any interference in the work of the judiciary or attempts to influence judges during their duties, emphasizing the principle of judicial independence and respect for the rule of law.

In a statement, the union also opposed calls to halt or suspend the application of current laws outside constitutional and legislative procedures, describing such actions as violations of the rule of law and institutional principles, which lead to legal chaos and inequality among citizens.

The union condemned the ongoing accusations against judges, accusing them of misconduct or errors simply for applying existing legal texts. It stressed that judges are obligated to enforce the law as it stands, and any objections or demands for amendments should be addressed through the legislative authority rather than by questioning the judiciary or damaging its reputation. The statement affirmed that private property rights are constitutionally protected and enshrined in Lebanese law, and must not be diminished or obstructed under any pretext. It noted that owners have endured exceptional burdens and deprivation of their fundamental rights for over forty years until justice began to prevail through the application of existing laws and the restoration of seized rights according to legal procedures.

The union considered it inappropriate for some parties, who have persistently tried to obstruct the enforcement of laws and judicial rulings without success, to demand that Prime Minister Judge Nawaf Salam—himself a former judge sworn to uphold the constitution and law—act against his national, legal, and professional conscience by contributing to the injustice against owners and depriving them of their constitutionally and legally guaranteed rights. It emphasized that respecting judicial rulings and judicial independence is fundamental to protecting rights and preserving justice, and any attempt to pressure the judiciary or push the executive authority to violate existing laws is completely unacceptable.

The statement concluded by calling on all concerned parties to adopt responsible legal language and to resort to the competent constitutional institutions, steering clear of pressure campaigns, defamation, and slander, in order to preserve the judiciary's prestige, maintain citizens' trust in it, uphold the principle of applying existing laws, and reinforce legislative security as a fundamental pillar in any state that respects the constitution and rights.