source NNA -- Maronite Patriarch indicated during his Sunday homily in Bkerke, “the right to express an opinion is born with the human being,” warning against violating it, and transferring the country to a police regime, and methods that do not resemble Lebanon. Rahi explained that “excessive repression establishes a popular uprising,” stressing that “in the face of the sad state of the judiciary, we wonder where the judges are to protect the judicial body.” He wondered about the goal of the strict measures in the judiciary, pointing out that “the parliamentary elections must be held on time, and the next president must pull the country out of the axes.”

Cardinal Mar Bchara Boutros Al Rahi, the Maronite Patriarch, addressed the political officials, asking, “What are you doing to save your population from the misery you put them in? Isn’t it past time to issue a judgment in the Beirut Port Blast?” In his Sunday sermon, he added, “How long do you politicians continue to oppress our people and blow up solutions to impose sanctions on Lebanon?”

by naharnet.com -- In his Sunday Mass sermon, al-Rahi also criticized what he called "selective, vindictive, electoral, political and fabricated" judicial measures. He accordingly urged an end to "the fabrication of accusations and lawsuits" and to the "inaction" towards some "obvious" offenses, while criticizing those who have sought to obstruct the Beirut port blast probe. The patriarch also decried perceived attempts to "undermine the main institutions and banks" as well as "the seizure of depositors' money and the harm against free economy." Apparently referring to Judge Ghada Aoun's latest lawsuit against prominent talk show host Marcel Ghanem and MTV, al-Rahi warned against encroaching on freedom of expression.

In addition to the measures against Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh, some banks and Marcel Ghanem, Judge Fadi Akiki filed charges this week against Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea over the deadly Tayyouneh clashes. In his sermon on Sunday, the patriarch called on the "honorable judges" to address the "saddening and dangerous state" of the judiciary. He also wondered whether the latest measures are aimed at "creating a situation that would lead to the postponement of the parliamentary elections."