Prime Minister Nawaf Salam met with the Association for the Care of Prisoners and Their Families, affiliated with Dar al-Fatwa, led by lawyer Hassan Kichli. Following the meeting, Kichli stated:
“We were honored today to visit His Excellency the President of the Council of Ministers, Judge Nawaf Salam. We briefed him on the work and activities of the Association for the Care of Prisoners and Their Families at Dar al-Fatwa, as well as the recommendations issued by His Eminence, the Mufti of the Lebanese Republic, regarding the follow-up of this sensitive file. His Eminence considers this a fundamental cause that he monitors daily and to which he devotes special attention.”
We presented to His Excellency the humanitarian, social, and legal efforts undertaken by the Association, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. These efforts include supporting prisoners and their families, providing logistical supplies, organizing Iftars, and attending to their living conditions.
On the legal front, we emphasized the necessity of working toward the passage of a General Amnesty Law and issuing the necessary recommendations to the judiciary regarding bail and releases wherever possible. This is to alleviate injustice, particularly for detainees who have not been brought to trial for over thirteen years and remain in custody to this day. The continuation of this reality is no longer acceptable; they must be released pending trial in accordance with due legal process.
Regarding the general amnesty and the reduction of the prison year, we confirmed to His Excellency that this is a fundamental and indispensable demand, especially following the agreement reached between the Lebanese government and the Syrian government.
The visit was positive and fruitful, as His Excellency promised to follow up on this file and not abandon it. For our part, we will continue our daily follow-up until the desired successful conclusion is reached.