Ghada Aoun’s First Statement

“Lebanon Debate”

The notable decision of Jamal al-Hajjar, the Interim Public Prosecutor of the Court of Cassation, to dismiss Judge Ghada Aoun from her position, which was not executed due to an appeal, has now returned to take action against her, issuing a decision to prevent her from handling the judicial cases she is involved in.

In an interview with Lebanon Debate, Judge Aoun stated that “I was not formally informed of the decision to halt my involvement in the cases. I learned about it solely through media reports.”

She emphasized that the appointment of the Interim Public Prosecutor of the Court of Cassation, Judge Jamal al-Hajjar, is contentious. She intends to appeal this decision as she questions the legitimacy of his appointment and thus his authority to prevent her from handling cases.

Judge Aoun reiterated her commitment to continue her work and vowed not to halt her involvement in any of the cases she is handling.

Later, she issued a statement declaring, “Judge al-Hajjar's decision is null, void, and violates the law. He does not possess the authority to suspend me from my duties. This decision falls solely under the jurisdiction of the Minister of Justice, upon a request for judicial inspection. Therefore, I urge the Minister to intervene and put an end to these infringements that hinder the pursuit of justice in the presence of an appeal prosecutor who carries out his duties with utmost sincerity, honesty, impartiality, and integrity."

Furthermore, she declared, "I will file an appeal on Monday with the State Council against the aforementioned decision. This is due to Judge al-Hajjar's lack of authority to make any decisions for this body. In addition to the unlawfulness of his decision and his overstepping of authority, I was not informed of his appointment as an appellate prosecutor, and I believe he is an illegitimate usurper of power who is not entitled to perform the duties of the Public Prosecutor of the Court of Cassation."

The Interim Public Prosecutor of the Court of Cassation, Judge Jamal al-Hajjar, has issued a directive to suspend Judge Ghada Aoun, the Public Prosecutor in Mount Lebanon, from her involvement in the judicial cases she is overseeing.

He has instructed all security agencies not to act upon any orders issued by Judge Aoun and not to inform her of any pending or new lawsuits. Instead, he has directed that all matters be addressed solely by the Attorney General of Appeal in Mount Lebanon.

!أول تعليق للقاضية عون على قرار كف يدها