Interior Minister Ziad Baroud said he has a "clear conscience" after the prison breakout from Roumieh jail in which eight inmates tried to run away.
"My conscience is clear. I will let the people hold me responsible for my actions," Baroud said in remarks published by the daily As-Safir on Wednesday.
Baroud said he understands why he is being criticized.
"Political motives are behind the criticism," he pointed, stressing that he did not wish to "present himself as a victim under the banner “I”m a target.”"
"I reject being accused of neglect because the truth is opposite what we”re seeing," Baroud said.
"My honor comes before the (interior) ministry and professionalism comes first," he added.