BEIRUT: The Higher Judicial Council stressed the importance of having an independent judiciary Tuesday, saying it was ready to take responsibility for any mistake in judicial matters.

A statement following the council’s regular meeting warned against any attack on the judiciary and judges similar to what has happened during the last few months.

“[Such actions] will weaken the power of one of the major constitutional authorities and will reflect negatively on the state and the public’s trust in justice, in addition to endangering the safety of judges,” the statement said. It also called on public and political officials to exclude the judicial system from any political bickering so as not to prevent it from carrying out its duties independently.

The council added that its members were “ready to take responsibility for any malfunction in the judicial system,” stressing that its positions were a reflection of its convictions.