Jocelyn Matte is a Lebanese judge that has provided a perfect model for the consolidation of tolerance and coexistence between people from different religious backgrounds.
Jocelyn Matte sentenced three young Muslim men, who were arrested on charges of insulting the Virgin Mary, to memorize the Qur’anic chapter of Ali-Imran (Family of Imran) in order to learn how Virgin Mary is venerated in Islam.
The charge was largely celebrated by the Lebanese people, considering it an enlightened vision of legal sanctions. It was also criticized by others, assuming that it was not a serious punishment for insulting religious symbols. Others went to think it was only for educational purposes.
This was an attractive case in Lebanon. The country had suffered a long history of sectarianism. Regional interventions intensify sectarian rifts. Iran, as an example, promotes sectarianism to achieve its interests.
The Lebanese scene suggests that the announcement of a heavy sentence would be exploited by pro-sectarian parties. Matte was clever and took a modern way to deal with the case, drawing on the great judiciary history throughout human civilizations.
If the judge was driven by personal interests and a desire for fame, she would issue a different judgment. But she has been more interested in closing the gap between religions and civilizations in modern times.
This kind of charge is not always suitable in cases of religious insults. The judge was fully aware of the circumstances of this case. Firmly believing that the case has no political dimensions, she was sure that this sentence will be more effective than traditional punishments. Matte has chosen a judgment that contributes to close the gap between people from different religions. She gave a lesson that Christianity Judaism and Islam have one source and that the true understanding of religions is a basis of coexistence among societies.
Supporters of sedition and religion traders took advantage of this sentence to attack justice in other countries, accusing it of cruelty.
The charge of memorizing a Qur’anic chapter is certainly a case-specific sentence. This kind of sentences should not be criticized to undermine charges against the defamation of religion. It is an exceptional sentence made by an enlightened judge with vast knowledge and experience in the field. Mattes wisely considered the circumstances of a particular case and gave a sentence that fits the case. A Lebanese legal jurist said that it is true that the penal law strictly orders the punishment of those who commit crimes and abuse others, but it is also true that the aim behind the penal code is to promote a better society.
Jocelyn Matte realized that her judgment will satisfy the requirements of legislation and law. For her, the spirit of law in such a case gives her the right to establish the foundations of tolerance and coexistence among social communities.
The establishment of tolerance among religions is crucial to confront sectarianism and organizational religious extremism. Judge Jocelyn Matte is one of the figures that work to build a better future for countries in the region. But this doesn’t mean getting rid of charging punitive penalties against people who insult religions. Matte’s case is a special and deserves respect.
