A Christian, Jean Fahd is the new head of the Higher Judicial Council
Beirut (AsiaNews) - Welcomed by all sides, Jean Fahd has been appointed head of the Higher Judicial Council (HJC). A committed Christian, he combines unique professional and human qualities. He is also known to the Lebanese as the former attorney general for Mount Lebanon (2000-2002), but especially as a military court judge (2003-2009). During a period of turbulence and political assassinations, including that of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri on 4 February 2005 near the Saint-Georges Hotel, he was in the spotlight.
Not 58 yet, Jean Fahd (pictured at the swearing in before President Michel Sleiman and Justice Minister Shakib Cortbawi) is still a young judge. A devout Christian, he hails from a region in the heart of Mount Lebanon. Initially, he wanted to become a career officer in the army, but at a young age (17), he began studying jurisprudence before joining the military. However, he discovered this way a passion for the law, which he would nurture at the Institut supérieur de la magistrature.
Christian faith
His Christian faith imprints every aspect of his life: his home village; family home; the wonderful mother who raised him; Our Lady of Loueize school run by the Mariamite Maronite Order to which his uncle, Abbot Boutros Fahd, belonged and was once the superior general; Université St-Joseph where he was taught French and Lebanese law; his graduate studies in Paris (1976-1979) funded by a French government scholarship; and the discovery of a deeper faith at the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Rue du Bac.
For public opinion, Jean Fahd is especially associated with his role at the military court. His presence right after terror attacks captured the attention of his fellow magistrates and of the diplomatic corps, France's above all, which led to France awarding him the Legion of Honour.
In pinning the medal, then French Justice Minister Michèle Alliot-Marie said to illustrate his contribution, "In performing his grave duties, Jean Fahd created a style" in which "he courageously asserted the presence and the right of the courts to investigate the crime scenes. By 'judicialising' ongoing military operations against terrorist networks, he reasserted the pre-eminence of the law on emergency situations."
His reputation of integrity and courage is mirrored in the way he lives. For Minister Alliot-Marie, "Jean Fahd's availability and ability to listen correspond more to a way of life than a professional duty. From security agents to aides and clerks of the court, the admiration court staff have for him reflects the undeniable human qualities and dedication this judge has."
Tireless worker
Such dedication has made him a great worker. A study by the World Bank in 1995 on Lebanon's hard-pressed justice system found that Jean Fahd issued 2,392 rulings the previous year. When he was a judge in Jdeide, he tried whenever possible to mediate and reconcile the parties before making a decision.
For instance, he settled a case pitting two brothers over a joint business. "It was Ramadan," he said. "After making sure that both were practicing Muslims, I asked what would have pleased more the God they worshipped, fasting or reconciliation . . ."
As much as he is a man of law, Jean Fahd is also a man of his land. A thoughtful father, he spends all of his free time in his native village. Thanks to the reputation of probity and fairness of his father, who was a former mayor, he has promoted and encouraged everything that promotes development, like the municipal playground, public gardens, roads and school. He also plays the role of "Sheikh Solh," which he took on to settle family and other disputes.
His family life was marked by a tragic event. On Sunday, 27 February 1994, a terrorist bomb exploded in the Saydet el-Najat (Our Lady of Deliverance) Church, some 15 kilometres north of Beirut. On that day, he was sitting in the third row on the left side of the church with his wife who was pregnant with their fourth child. Thirteen people were killed and dozens more were wounded, including his mother, uncle and son.
One explosive device placed inside the organ in front of the rows where he was standing did not explode. That is why he called his last child Najat.
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