As part of our follow-up on the complaint we, as Beirut MPs and political forces, filed with the Financial Public Prosecutor’s Office concerning financial and administrative irregularities at Beirut Municipality, we visited Minister of Justice Adel Nassar today to follow up on the progress of the investigations into the case. We briefed His Excellency on the facts and official documents that we had previously submitted to the competent judicial authorities, in the interest of ensuring that the full truth comes to light and that all those involved are held accountable, without exception. We also reaffirmed our support for the Minister and the Governor of Beirut in every effort aimed at putting an end to corruption and improving and developing the city.

During our meeting with His Excellency the Minister, we emphasized our full appreciation for the independence and integrity of the judiciary in this case, as in every case, because a fair judiciary is the foundation of public trust in the state and a safeguard against corruption and the waste of public funds. We are deeply grateful for the integrity and independence of the judiciary and for the work of judges in this case and others. Accordingly, we stressed the importance of allowing the law to take its full course, through a transparent and clear process open to public scrutiny. We support the judicial proceedings as they are currently being conducted.

We also called for the investigation to be expanded to include all current and former employees and officials suspected of involvement, and for the case to be treated as an issue affecting the reputation of public institutions and the rights of Beirut’s residents, rather than as a passing administrative dispute. Our actions do not target individuals; rather, they aim to protect public funds and entrench a culture of accountability. We will continue to follow this case through to its conclusion to ensure that it is neither shelved nor diluted, and to reaffirm that the days of turning a blind eye to corruption are over. We are confident that the judicial process will continue to its conclusion, uncovering the facts and holding those who must be held accountable to account.

Beirut and its residents deserve honest administration and an independent judiciary that yields to no one. We will continue to fulfill our duty until justice is served and corruption is brought to an end.