Nasr visits Nabatiye courthouse: We will work to repair damages

Minister of Justice Adel Nasr visited the Nabatiye courthouse, accompanied by the chief judge of the Nabatiye Court of Appeal, Judge Menef Barkat, and the minister's media advisor, Ymna Fawaz. They were welcomed by the chief public prosecutor of the Nabatiye Court of Appeal, Judge Najat Abu Shakra, first investigating judge Kamal Mokdad, investigating judge Fatima Majid, mayor of Nabatiye Abbas Fakhreddine, mayor of Kfar Raman Abdullah Farhat, head of the Embassy Security Unit in Nabatiye Lieutenant Abbas Anissi, head of the Internal Security Forces Intelligence Branch office in Nabatiye and Zahrani Lieutenant Ali Himmah, and several officials.

After touring the closed halls and chambers of the courthouse—closed since the beginning of the Israeli aggression in March—while judges and staff continue working in Beirut, an meeting was held in Abu Shakra’s office to discuss the possibility of reopening the Nabatiye courthouse to resume serving lawyers and citizens.

Fakhreddine

"The return of state institutions to Nabatiye brings security and reassurance to citizens, with the Nabatiye courthouse being among the foremost. Therefore, I tell you, Your Excellency, that offices of State Security, General Security, Intelligence, Information, and Embassy Security have returned to Nabatiye, military barracks are present, and numerous civil government departments and official entities have also resumed operations. We hope the return of the Nabatiye courthouse will be swift and imminent, to alleviate the burden on citizens traveling long distances and to establish a climate of stability, safety, and justice. The judiciary must return to Nabatiye to address people’s cases here," said the mayor of Nabatiye.

Nasr

"We are deeply committed to restoring judicial operations in Nabatiye despite all challenges facing the region. My visit today is for support and assessment, to take all necessary steps should we decide to expand our operations in Beirut or reinstate full activity at the Nabatiye courthouse. This matter will be discussed with judges, taking into account several factors such as file status, judicial assistants, delivery capabilities, and other operational requirements. Restoring normalcy requires more than just one agency or authority—we are actively preparing an evaluation. Today, we are here to find the best solution for Nabatiye and the entire South, fulfilling our responsibility despite difficult circumstances."

"Our duty is to be present in Nabatiye today, because the state’s sole concern is its children—only its children, with no other projects. Its mission is one: the state everywhere, serving every citizen without any other goal or agenda. Thus, our choice remains the state," he added.

"I reiterate that it is our duty to be in Nabatiye and alongside the people of this region, and with all citizens across Lebanon, because the role of the state is to support its people. The courthouse will be repaired from the damage caused by the Israeli aggression, and we will work to ensure all judicial services are available to all residents, despite all difficulties and challenges, to maintain case continuity and restore regular judicial operations," he continued.

Barkat

Responding, Judge Barkat said: "As chief judge of the Nabatiye courts and representing judges and judicial assistants, we thank Minister Nasr’s visit to the Nabatiye courthouse today for supporting the judiciary and revitalizing judicial work here, despite the exceptional circumstances we all face. I would also like to thank the judges who, despite extremely difficult conditions, have carried out their duties diligently over the past six or seven months while operating from a temporary office in Beirut. One single office hosts judges, judicial assistants, client visits, and files—many of which are difficult to transfer from here to Hasbaya, Tibnin, Marjayoun, and Bint Jbeil, all essential for serving the public."

"Thanks go to the judges and judicial assistants, and to mayors, especially those of Nabatiye, Abbas Fakhreddine, and Kfar Raman, Abdullah Farhat, who consistently provided assistance in repairing any damages or malfunctions at the courthouse, responding swiftly to prevent file loss and preserve integrity. Thanks also to all security agencies, particularly Embassy Security and Lieutenant Abbas Anissi, for their professional efforts in safeguarding the courthouse despite repeated raids and bombardments," he added.

"It is our duty to serve the people and return to Nabatiye. Given these difficult circumstances, we hope to reach the right decision together with Your Excellency and the judges," he concluded.

Visit to the market

Subsequently, the Minister of Justice toured the destroyed commercial market in Nabatiye.