Cassation Prosecutor Al-Hajj Charts Independent Course, Meets with Hezbollah Leadership

Ahmed Rami Al-Hajj, the youngest Public Prosecutor of Cassation in Lebanese history, has emerged as a figure determined to establish his independence and counter preappointment criticism linking him to Hezbollah. His approach to the role reveals a judge working long hours and tackling sensitive cases with deliberate consistency.

Since his appointment by the Council of Ministers, Al-Hajj has demonstrated a methodical work ethic. He arrives early at the Palace of Justice in Beirut and remains late into the evening, often continuing his review of case files at home to manage his heavy caseload. Following his appointment announcement, he fulfilled a religious vow at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa and visited his father's grave, actions observers viewed as deliberate gestures addressing his background.

His initial judicial decisions have sought to establish a pattern distinct from the concerns raised before his appointment. His handling of the "Angry Birds" video case and pursuit of those who attacked the Maronite Patriarch signaled an approach independent of the Hezbollah allegations that had circulated previously.

A pivotal moment came when Representative Hussein Al-Hajj Hassan called to arrange a meeting. The encounter, held in Al-Hajj's fourth-floor office, marked an unusually direct dialogue between a judicial authority and Hezbollah representatives. During the discussion, Al-Hajj addressed weapons bearing directly, declaring that party members carrying arms outside combat zones with Israel would face prosecution identical to that applied to Sunni, Druze, or Christian armed individuals. He emphasized that no one would receive protection based on organizational affiliation.

The prosecutor also broached the Al-Qard Al-Hassan institution, indicating his intention to open an investigation into whether the organization functions as a money laundering operation or financial conduit for the party. He told the Hezbollah delegation that if the institution's purpose was legitimate charitable lending, they should welcome the investigation as it would vindicate them.

Al-Hajj is also expected to meet with MP Hassan Fadlallah, who had previously criticized him following an incident involving MP Bilal Abdullah's phone.

Among his mounting caseload, the Beirut port explosion remains a priority. Al-Hajj has stated his determination to advance this investigation according to judicial timelines rather than public pressure or anniversary-driven urgency. Recently, the Intelligence Directorate referred to him a file concerning an Iraqi national impersonating a security officer, which he will examine in coming days.

The prosecutor's style combines approachability with firmness. Colleagues note his exhaustion from the demanding schedule—he reportedly dozed briefly during a reconciliation dinner with Justice Minister Adel Nassar. Though President of the Republic offered him a firearm during a visit, Al-Hajj declined to accept it, reflecting his measured approach. Yet he remains emphatic that he will not surrender his prosecutorial powers, even if circumstances necessitate confrontation within the judicial system itself.

Al-Hajj presents himself as a pragmatist aware of the judiciary's limitations and responsibilities, balancing accessibility with unwavering commitment to his mandate.