First, here are Reuters and l’Orient Today articles on the judges who are denouncing political interference with probes of the central bank (1 judge) and the Beirut blast (3 judges):
Bambi learned, from the above media articles, that one judge has resigned a month ago to denounce the political interference over the central bank probe.
She also learned that three judges resigned yesterday to denounce the massive political interference with the investigation of the surrealistic Beirut port explosion that destroyed literally half of the capital (with all those who lost their lives, the 6000+ injured people, homelessness, and sad destruction).
Second, concerning Covid-19, thanks to l’Orient Le Jour for its French (English Google Translate follows) informative article:
https://www.lorientlejour.com/article/1282801/coronavirus-80-des-cas-sont-des-non-vaccines.html
Sarcastically, we can perhaps guess that the health sector does not seem to be the place where corruption is found in Lebanon.
Indeed, it is refreshing to read an article where we can see the competence AND transparency of this country’s Health Minister. As a reminder, he was the Administrator of the Rafik Hariri University Hospital (formerly known as Beirut Governmental University Hospital). Of note, the former Lebanese Health Minister was also competent and honest.
For those who do not know it, Lebanon has a hybrid model of healthcare sector. Some hospitals offer both private and public insurances. Some are strictly governmental. The Lebanese health sector has been historically strong, even during a 15-year-long civil war and other following conflicts. Mind you, Lebanon has been (was?) even a regional medical hub. Sadly, this sector took a major hit over the past two years because of the multiple crises (i.e., the corrupt banking sector crash, Beirut blast, migration, and… of course Corona!).
To conclude this post, will the judges’ resignation be accepted and will it make a difference on the ground? It is good start, for sure… Thanks to them for the wake-up call!! Best wishes to tiny, corrupt, bereaved YET dignified Lebanon!
Such an important step. Courts must always be independent. Otherwise corruption in politics is almost inevitable.