Qortbawi: We are Seeking Comprehensive Plan to Tackle Prison File in Lebanon

Justice Minister Shakib Qortbawi stressed on Tuesday that a comprehensive plan to tackle the prison file in Lebanon is necessary in order to resolve pending issues in this matter.

He said: “The current situation must not continue.”

He made his statements after taking part in a ministerial meeting at the Grand Serail headed by Prime Minister Najib Miqati and attended by Interior Minister Marwan Charbel, Deputy Premier Samir Moqbel, and Internal Security Forces chief Ashraf Rifi and a number of security officials.

“The prison file is one that concerns all Lebanese and it is a humanitarian issue at the core,” Qortbawi stated.

“The Justice and Administration committee addressed issues related to this subject in order to approve measures that would resolve the matter on the short and long terms,” he revealed.

The meeting addressed the actual buildings of the Roumieh prison, as well as humanitarian, security, and judicial issues related to the prisons.

“Renovating the jails, especially Roumieh prison, is necessary and it should be implemented immediately,” the minister said.

He noted that parliament had previously approved the establishment of new prisons in the North and South.

The meeting also addressed the need to improve medical care in the prisons.

On the detention of suspects who are still awaiting trial, Qortbawi stated: “It is unacceptable that individuals are detained for years without a trial.”

The gatherers also stressed the need to immediately construct a courthouse to try Fatah al-Islam suspects.

Addressing the weekend’s prison break from Roumieh prison, the Justice Minister revealed that the legal authorities have been ordered to conduct an immediate investigation that will encompass all concerned sides.

“Security measures will be taken and prison breaks will no longer be overlooked,” he emphasized.

“A comprehensive plan that will include buildings and legal procedures will be taken,” he concluded.

On Saturday, five Fatah al-Islam inmates escaped from Roumieh prison.

One prisoner was captured, while the rest remain at large.