Some of this article's listed sources may not be reliable. Please help improve this article by looking for better, more reliable sources. Unreliable citations may be challenged and removed. (February 2013) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)
Special Tribunal for Lebanon
المحكمة الخاصة بلبنان
Tribunal spécial pour le Liban
The premises of the Tribunal
Map
52°04′48″N 4°23′28″E / 52.080°N 4.391°E / 52.080; 4.391
Established2009
LocationLeidschendam, Netherlands
Coordinates52°04′48″N 4°23′28″E / 52.080°N 4.391°E / 52.080; 4.391
Composition methodAppointment by the United Nations Secretary-General
Authorized byResolution 1757
Judge term length3 years
Number of positions9
Websitehttp://www.stl-tsl.org/
President
CurrentlyIvana Hrdličková
Since2015
Vice-President
CurrentlyRalph Riachi
Since2009
This article is part of a series on
Hariri family
People
Events
Organizations
Namesakes

The Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL), also referred to as the Lebanon Tribunal or the Hariri Tribunal, is a tribunal of international character[1][2] applying Lebanese criminal law[3] under the authority of the United Nations to carry out the investigation and prosecution of those responsible for 14 February 2005 assassination of Rafic Hariri, the former Lebanese prime minister, and the deaths of 21 others,[4][5][6] as well as those responsible for connected attacks.[7]

The Tribunal officially opened on 1 March 2009[8][9] and has primacy over the national courts of Lebanon.[10] The Tribunal has its seat in Leidschendam, on the outskirts of The Hague, Netherlands, and a field office in the Lebanese capital, Beirut. Its official languages are Arabic, French and English.[11] The Tribunal is unique among international criminal tribunals in that it may hold trials in absentia,[12] and it is the first to deal with terrorism as a distinct crime.[13] The Tribunal's eleven judges, a combination of Lebanese and international judges, are appointed by the UN Secretary-General for a renewable term of three years.[14]

The Tribunal's mandate was initially three years.[15] However, there is no fixed timeline for the judicial work to be completed.[16] The mandate has subsequently been extended to allow the Tribunal to complete its work.[17]

The verdict was eventually issued on 18 August 2020,[18] which was originally set on 7 August, but postponed following the 2020 Beirut explosion.[19]

History

In March 2006, United Nations Security Council Resolution 1664, the Security Council requested the Secretary-General consult with the Lebanese government on the establishment of an international tribunal to try those responsible for the 14 February 2005 attack.[20] The Lebanese government and United Nations signed an agreement for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon on 23 January 2007 and 6 February 2007 respectively.[21] However, the Lebanese Prime Minister wrote to the UN Secretary-General in May 2007 stating that the Speaker refused to convene Parliament, and therefore the agreement could not be ratified, despite the support of a majority of parliamentarians.[22]

Due to this political impasse, the Security Council implemented the agreement through United Nations Security Council Resolution 1757 on 30 May 2007, under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.[23] According to the resolution, the agreement (attached as an annexe) would enter into force on 10 June 2007, unless Lebanon informed the United Nations that it complied with the legal requirements for its entry into force before that date.[24] The political stalemate did not resolve itself, and the Agreement therefore came into force on 10 June 2007.[25]

Following its legal establishment, the Secretary-General of the United Nations announced on 17 August 2007 that the Netherlands had agreed to host the Tribunal.[26] The UN and the Netherlands signed a headquarters agreement to formalize the agreement on 21 December 2007.[27]

The Tribunal opened its doors on 1 March 2009,[28] taking over jurisdiction from the United Nations International Independent Investigation Commission (UNIIIC), whose mandate ended on 28 February 2009.[29]

Jurisdiction

The Tribunal was established to "try all those who are found responsible for the [February 14th, 2005] terrorist crime which killed the former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri and others."[1] Its jurisdiction could be extended beyond that event to other attacks in Lebanon between 1 October 2004 and 12 December 2005, if there was sufficient evidence showing they were connected and of a similar nature and gravity to the 14 February attack.[30][31] Human Rights Watch had argued that the tribunal should have been given jurisdiction over 14 other attacks perpetrated in Lebanon since 1 October 2004.[32] The Tribunal is the first of the UN-based international criminal court to try a terrorist crime committed against a specific person.[33]

Mandate

The Tribunal's mandate was initially set for three years,[34] but has been extended by the UN Secretary-General (in consultation with the Government of Lebanon and the Security Council) to allow the Tribunal to complete its work.[35] Most recently, in 2015, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon "reaffirmed the commitment of the UN to support the work of the Tribunal to bring those responsible to justice and to ensure that impunity for such major crimes will not be tolerated," and extended the Tribunal's mandate until 2018.[36] The mandate may be further extended if cases are still ongoing.[37]

Applicable law

The Tribunal applies Lebanese criminal law,[38] with judges guided by both the Lebanese Code of Criminal Procedure and other materials reflecting the highest standards of international criminal procedure.[39]

Accordingly, it also is similar to Section I for War Crimes and Section II for Organized Crime, Economic Crime and Corruption of the Criminal and Appellate Divisions of the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina which has such "hybrid" chambers,[40] as well as to the Special Court for Sierra Leone and the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC).

Structure and staff

The STL is composed of four organs: Chambers, which consists of a Pre-Trial Judge, a Trial Chamber, and an Appeals Chamber;[41] the Registry, responsible for the administration of the Tribunal;[42] the Office of the Prosecutor;[43] and the Defense Office.[44][45] The STL Statute also allows for victims to participate in the proceedings, through legal representatives.[46] In the administrative structure of the Tribunal, victim participation falls under the Registry.[47]

Chambers

The Chambers are composed of an international Pre-Trial Judge, three Trial Chamber judges (one Lebanese and two international), five Appeals Chamber judges (two Lebanese and three international), and two alternate judges (one Lebanese and one international).[48] The alternate judges may be assigned by the Tribunal President (at the request of the presiding judge of the Trial Chamber) to be present at each stage of the trial, and replace a judge who is unable to continue sitting.[49]

Judges are appointed by the Secretary-General of the United Nations for a three-year period, which can be renewed.[14]

Both the Trial Chamber and the Appeals Chamber elect a presiding judge to conduct the proceedings.[50] The presiding judge of the Appeals Chamber is also the President of the Special Tribunal.[50][51] The term of the President is normally one and a half years.[52]

The President has a number of functions and responsibilities, including coordinating the work of the Chambers to ensure the effective functioning of the Tribunal and good administration of justice; supervising the activities of the Registry; issuing Practice Directions (in consultation with the Council of Judges, Registrar, Head of Defence Office, and Prosecutor); and representing the Tribunal in international relations.[53] The President is also responsible for submitting an annual report on the Tribunal's activities to the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Government of Lebanon.[54]

The first President of the Tribunal was the late Antonio Cassese.[55] Following his resignation, Cassese was succeeded by Sir David Baragwanath, elected on 10 October 2011.[56] Baragwanath was succeeded by Judge Ivana Hrdličková, who was elected on 19 February 2015.[57] She was re-elected on 4 July 2016.[58]

The Appeals Chamber also elects a Vice-President for a one-and-a-half-year term.[59] The Vice-President exercises the President's functions when the President is absent or unable to act, and any other function delegated by the President.[60]

Lebanese Judge Ralph Riachi has been Vice-President of the Tribunal since it opened in 2009,[61] and was most recently re-elected on 4 July 2016.[58]

Judges

Name State Position(s) Term began Term ended
David Baragwanath  New Zealand Appeals chamber judge / President (former) 25 March 2009 In office
Kjell Björnberg  Sweden Appeals chamber judge 25 March 2009 16 January 2013
Antonio Cassese  Italy Appeals chamber judge / President (former) 25 March 2009 1 October 2011
Afif Chamseddine  Lebanon Appeals chamber judge 25 March 2009 In office
Daniel Fransen  Belgium Pre-trial judge 25 March 2009 In office
Ralph Riachi  Lebanon Appeals chamber judge / Vice-President (current) 25 March 2009 In office
Walid Akoum  Lebanon Trial chamber judge / Trial chamber judge (alternate) 20 September 2011 In office
Micheline Braidy  Lebanon Trial chamber judge 20 September 2011 In office
Janet Nosworthy  Jamaica Trial chamber judge 20 September 2011 In office
David Re  Australia Trial chamber judge 20 September 2011 In office
Robert Roth   Switzerland Trial chamber judge 20 September 2011 10 September 2013
Daniel Nsereko  Uganda Appeals chamber judge 12 March 2012 In office
Ivana Hrdličková  Czech Republic Appeals chamber judge / President (current) 16 January 2013 In office
Nicola Lettieri  Italy Trial chamber judge / Trial chamber judge (alternate) 15 January 2014 In office
Anna Bednarek  Poland Trial chamber judge 27 November 2019 In office

Registry

The Registry is responsible for administering and servicing the Tribunal, under the authority of the President[62] and the direction of the Registrar.[63]

The Registry's Judicial Division ensures the efficient functioning of hearings, and consists of the Court Management and Services Section, Victims and Witnesses Unit,[64] Victims' Participation Unit, Language Services Section, Detention Facility, and Information Services Section.[65] The Registry's Division of Administration provides administrative services to the whole Tribunal, and includes the Human and Financial Resources Services Section, Budget Unit, Procurement Section, and the General Services Section.[65] The Registry's Security and Safety Section provides security for the Tribunal's personnel, facilities, assets and programmes.[65]

The Registrar is appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General for a three-year term, which can be renewed.[66] Ban Ki-moon appointed Robin Vincent as the first Registrar of the Tribunal on 11 March 2008.[67] He oversaw the 'start-up phase' of STL, successfully guiding the court to its first public broadcast.

Following Vincent's sudden resignation,[68] Ban appointed David Tolbert as Registrar on 9 July 2009, to assume the post effective 26 August 2009.[69]

Herman von Hebel was appointed as acting Registrar on 1 March 2010[70] and as Registrar on 10 December 2010.[71] Current Registrar Daryl A. Mundis was appointed acting Registrar on 18 April 2013 and Registrar on 24 July 2013.[72]

Victims

According to the STL Statute, where their personal interests are affected, victims shall be allowed to present their views during the proceedings, so matter as this is not inconsistent with and does not prejudice the rights of the accused to a fair and impartial trial.[46] Victims participate through designated legal representatives.[46]

Victims are entitled to receive case-related documents and may be permitted to call witnesses and tender evidence at trial.[73] They may also be heard at the sentencing and appeal stages.[73]

The Victims' Participation Unit (VPU), a unit of the Registry, helps victims participate in the proceedings by developing strategies for participation, informing victims of their rights, receiving applications for participation, distributing case filings to victims, informing them of relevant decisions, and providing other logistical and administrative assistance.[74] The VPU also maintains a list of eligible counsel to represent victims, administers legal aid to indigent victims, provides legal support and advice to victims and their legal representatives, and provides training to legal representatives of victims as necessary.[75]

The Legal Representatives of Victims are Peter Haynes (lead legal representative), Mohammad Mattar (co-legal representative), and Nada Abd El Sater Abu Samra (co-legal representative).[76]

Office of the Prosecutor

The Prosecutor is responsible for the investigation and prosecution of persons responsible for crimes falling under the Tribunal's jurisdiction.[77]

According to the Agreement between the United Nations and the Lebanese Republic on the establishment of a Special Tribunal for Lebanon, the Prosecutor continues the investigations begun by the United Nations International Independent Investigation Commission.[78] In conducting the investigations, the Prosecutor obtains statements from witnesses, collects evidence, and conducts on-site investigations.[79] The Prosecutor works in cooperation with the relevant Lebanese authorities in carrying out these tasks.[79][80]

While the Prosecutor acts independently in the conduct of his investigation, he must obtain the authorisation of the Pre-Trial Judge of the Tribunal to undertake compulsory investigative measures, such as orders and warrants for the arrest or transfer of persons.[81]

Once the Prosecutor reaches the conclusion that there is sufficient evidence of the commission of a crime by an individual to justify the filing of an indictment, and that it is in the public interest to do so, he or she presents the indictment setting out the charges to the Pre-Trial Judge for confirmation.[82] If the judge is satisfied that the evidence is at first glance sufficient to support the charges, he or she will confirm the indictment and the matter will go to trial.[82]

During trial, the Prosecutor is responsible for presenting witnesses and evidence in order to prove the allegations made in the indictment beyond a reasonable doubt.

The Prosecutor is appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General for a three-year term, which can be renewed.[83] The Prosecutor is assisted by a Lebanese Deputy Prosecutor.[84]

Daniel Bellemare was appointed as the first Prosecutor on 14 November 2007,[85] and was sworn in when the Tribunal opened in March 2009.[86] Current Prosecutor Norman Farrell was appointed on 29 February 2012.[87]

Lebanese lawyer Joyce Tabet assumed the position of Deputy Prosecutor of the Court on 1 November 2009.[88][89]

Defence

Defence Office

The STL is the first international tribunal to have a Defence Office that is independent of the Registry, on par with the Office of the Prosecutor.[90][91] Other tribunals have had defence offices, but in contrast to the independent Offices of the Prosecutor, these offices are not independent and fall under the administration of other organs of the Court.[91][90] The Defence Office does not represent any accused, but instead exists to ensure the protection of the accused's rights and to make the exercise of these rights effective, an essential requirement for a fair trial.[92]

The Head of Defence Office is appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General, in consultation with the President of the Tribunal.[93] The Head of Defence Office is responsible for appointing Office staff and drawing up a list of defence counsel.[93] The Defence Office is mandated to protect the rights of the defence and support defence counsel and persons entitled to legal assistance (including research, evidence collection, and advice).[94]

François Roux was sworn in as Head of the Defence Office in March 2009,[86] and he remains in the role.[95]

In September 2010, Lebanese-French lawyer Alia Aoun was appointed as Deputy Head of Defence Office.[96] Current Deputy Head Héleyn Uñac was appointed on an interim basis in May 2012 and was formally appointed in May 2014.[97]

Defence Counsel

All suspects and accused persons have the right to be represented by their own counsel before the STL.[98] Each accused in the Ayyash et al. case, for example, has his own defence counsel and team. Defence counsel are responsible for all aspects of the case.[98]

Defence counsel are independent of the Tribunal,[98] but are supported by the Defence Office.

Budget

Lebanon contributes 49% of the Tribunal's budget, while the remaining 51% comes from voluntary contributions.[99] Since 2009, 28 countries and the European Union have contributed to the Tribunal, either through voluntary contributions or in-kind support. These countries include Lebanon, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Russian Federation, Sweden, Macedonia, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Uruguay and other states.[100] The budget has been slightly under €60 million in recent years, but increased slightly in 2016 due in part to the strengthening of the US dollar against the euro.[100]

In September 2007, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon estimated that the Tribunal would cost US$120 million over three years.[101] During the Opening Ceremony for the Tribunal, which was held on 1 March 2009, UN officials indicated that contributions were in hand to cover the estimated costs of the first year ($51.4 million USD).[101] Eventually, the investigation and trial cost nearly $1 billion, of which Lebanon paid 49% while other nations paid the rest.[102]

The 2020 budget for the STL was €55m, followed by a 37% cut in 2021, in which $15.5m were paid by the United Nations on behalf of Lebanon in March 2021.[103] In June 2021, it was reported that the STL would cease operations by July, due to funding shortages.[104] Hence, the Lebanese caretaker prime minister, Hassan Diab, wrote a letter to the UN, urging them to find new funding methods.[105]

Year Budget
2009 $51.4m[106]
2010 $55.4m[106]
2011 $65.7m[107]
2012 €55.3m[108]
2013 €59.9m[108]
2014 €59.9m[109]
2015 €59.9m[109]
2016 €62.8m[100]
Total (8 years) around US$466 million
(based on yearly average
€/$ exchange rates)

Venue

Leidschendam, Netherlands

For reasons of security, administrative efficiency and fairness,[110] the Tribunal has its seat outside Lebanon, in Leidschendam, on the outskirts of The Hague, the Netherlands. The premises of the Tribunal are the former headquarters of the Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service (Algemene Inlichtingen- en Veiligheidsdienst, or AIVD).[111]

The STL courtroom served as a courtroom for the Charles Taylor trial before the Special Court for Sierra Leone[112] from 2010 to 2012.[113]

Beirut, Lebanon

The Tribunal also maintains an office in Beirut, where its Outreach and Legacy Section is based.[114]

Cases

Ayyash et al.

Investigation

Eleven days after the assassination, a fact-finding mission sent by the Secretary-General of the United Nations and led by Irish Deputy Police Commissioner Peter FitzGerald set to work investigating the causes, circumstances, and consequences of the attack.[115] On 24 March 2005 the fact-finding mission submitted its report, recommending an independent international investigation be launched.[116]

UN Security Council Resolution 1595 (2005) established the United Nations International Independent Investigation Commission (UNIIIC) on 7 April 2005.[117] The purpose of the commission was to gather evidence and to assist the Lebanese authorities in their investigation of the attack of 14 February 2005.[117] The UNIIIC investigated the Hariri assassination for four years before the STL was established, gathering evidence and assisting the Lebanese authorities with their investigations.[118]

The UNIIIC's tenth report was submitted to the Security Council on 28 March 2008.[119] Commissioner Daniel Bellemare stated "that a network of individuals acted in concert to carry out the assassination of Rafic Hariri” and that this network was also connected to other cases falling under the UNIIIC's mandate.[119] The UNIIIC completed its mandate on 28 February 2009, handing over its work to the STL.[120]

The United Nations investigation initially implicated high-level Lebanese and Syrian security officers in Hariri's killing. Damascus denied involvement. Four pro-Syrian Lebanese generals were detained by the Lebanese authorities for four years without charge in connection with Hariri's killing. One of the first acts of the Tribunal was to order the release of the generals after ruling that there was insufficient evidence to justify their detention.[121][122]

In October 2010, STL investigators carried out a "controlled explosion" at an air force base in Captieux, France to replicate "an explosion in order to carry out forensic tests." However, the STL said the explosion was not a full-scale reconstruction of the assassination.[123]

Indictment

The first indictment was confidentially submitted on 17 January 2011 to Pre-Trial Judge Daniel Fransen. The STL released a statement at the time saying that "the Prosecutor of the tribunal has submitted an indictment and supporting materials to the Pre-Trial Judge... The contents of the indictment remain confidential at this stage."[124][125] On 11 March, the Prosecutor filed an amended indictment,[126] with media speculating that it could name senior as well as rank and file Hezbollah members.[127]

In reaction to the submission, U.S. President Barack Obama welcomed the first indictment saying it could end an "era of impunity" and that it was "a significant and emotional time for the Lebanese people" and that "the U.S. were joining the international community in calling on all leaders and factions to preserve calm and exercise restraint."[128] Lebanon's Foreign Minister Ali Al Shami responded to him, saying that the US should cease interfering in Lebanon's affairs, while he summoned the U.S. Ambassador Maura Connelly to a meeting with a "key undecided lawmaker" Nicolas Fattouch. The embassy named the meeting "a part of routine meetings with personalities from across Lebanon's political spectrum."[125]

The indictment was confirmed on 28 June 2011[129] and arrest warrants for the four accused issued two days later.[130] The warrants were submitted to the Lebanese authorities, but the accused were not publicly identified by the Tribunal itself[131][130] until a month later.[132] The full indictment was unsealed that August.[133]

In the meantime, prior to the official announcement, Lebanese media and the Interior Minister of Lebanon reported that the warrants were issued for Hezbollah members Mustafa Badreddine, Salim al-Ayyash, Assad Sabra and Hassan Oneissi.[134] On 3 July, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah rejected the indictment and vowed that the accused individuals would not be arrested under any circumstances by any government.[134][135] Nasrallah also denounced the Tribunal as a foreign plot against his party,[136] while dismissing fears of internal strife or civil war, stating that the country's new government would ensure stability.[134] Rafic Hariri's son, Saad, considered the indictments an "historic moment."[134]

Trial

Prosecution Case

Following considerable efforts by Lebanese authorities to locate and arrest the individuals named in the warrants, including dozens of visits to known addresses, public advertisements, and extensive media coverage of the indictment, on 1 February 2012, the Trial Chamber determined that "Mr Ayyash, Mr Badreddine, Mr Oneissi and Mr Sabra cannot be found and that each has absconded and does not wish to participate in a trial despite being informed of the charges and the possible ways of participating in the trial."[137] In the interests of justice, the Trial Chamber, therefore, decided that the trial would proceed in absentia, or without the presence of the accused, in accordance with Lebanese law.[137][138]

The Pre-Trial Judge granted the first victims "participating victim" status on 8 May 2012.[139] Three Legal Representatives of Victims were subsequently sworn in to represent them in the proceedings.[140]

The Prosecutor v. Ayyash et al., the first trial before the Tribunal, began on 16 January 2014[141] with an opening statement from the Prosecution.[142]

On 11 February 2014, the Trial Chamber ordered the Merhi case joined with the Ayyash et al. case.[143] An adjournment of the trial was subsequently ordered to allow Merhi's counsel adequate preparation time.[143]

Following the adjournment to allow the Defence adequate time to prepare, proceedings resumed on 18 June 2014.[144]

On 13 May 2016, media reported that Mustafa Badreddine, one of the accused in Ayyash et al., had been killed in Damascus, Syria.[145] Proceedings against Badreddine were terminated on 11 July 2016.[146] The Prosecution filed an amended indictment the following day.[147]

As of August 2017, the Prosecution continues its presentation of its case-in-chief.[148]

Victims' Case

On 31 July 2017, the Trial Chamber tentatively scheduled the presentation of the victims' case for the week of 28 August 2017.[149] Seven victims and a non-victim witness were authorized to testify, while a decision on whether to allow a second non-victim witness to testify was deferred to a later date.[149] The Trial Chamber directed that the presentation of the victims case "be interposed before the formal close of the Prosecutor's case,"[150] meaning the Prosecution case will continue after the victims complete their presentation of evidence. The Legal Representatives of Victims has estimated the presentation of evidence would take approximately two weeks of court time.[149]

Connected Cases

The Tribunal has determined that three attacks relating to Lebanese politicians Marwan Hamadeh, George Hawi and Elias El-Murr are connected to the 14 February 2005 attack, and has established jurisdiction over them.[151] The Pre-Trial Judge has ordered that the Lebanese authorities provide the relevant files to the STL Prosecutor.[152] The cases remain under investigation, and no indictments have been issued.[152]

Other Cases

When the Ayyash et al. indictment was confirmed on 28 June 2011, the Pre-Trial Judge ordered material related to the indictment be kept confidential.[153] On 25 May 2012 he ordered that "all third parties to the proceedings not to disseminate material in the proceedings of which they may have knowledge or any information contained therein, which may be subject to a protective measure, unless that material or information becomes public during open session proceedings."[154] Two journalists and two media companies were subsequently charged with violating the order.[155][156]

STL-14-05

In April 2015, Lebanese journalist Karma Khayat and Al-Jadeed TV went on trial, accused of "knowingly and wilfully interfering with the administration of justice" over August 2012 broadcasts relating to alleged confidential witnesses in the Hariri case. The accused faced a maximum penalty of seven years in jail or a fine of €100,000 ($105,780), or both. This was the first time a company was indicted by an international court.[157] On 18 September 2015, Khayyat was convicted of failing to remove information on supposedly confidential witnesses from Al Jadeed's website and YouTube channel, while Al Jadeed was found not guilty.[158] Both accused were found not guilty of broadcasting and/or publishing information on supposedly confidential witnesses.[158] Khayat was sentenced to a €10,000 fine.[159] The conviction was reversed on 8 March 2016.[160]

STL-14-06

In a separate case, Ibrahim Al Amin and Akhbar Beirut were both found guilty of knowingly and wilfully interfering with the administration of justice by publishing information on alleged confidential witnesses in the Ayyash et al. case in July 2016.[161] Al Amin was sentenced to a €20,000 fine and Akhbar Beirut to a €6,000 fine.[162] They did not appeal the judgment.

Indictees

The list below details the counts against each individual or corporation indicted in the Tribunal and his or her current status. The column titled TA lists the number of counts of acts of terrorism with which an individual has been charged. MIA the number of counts of membership in illicit associations, FRC the number of counts of failure to report crimes, IH the number of crimes of intentional homicide, CPI the number of crimes of causing personal injuries, and C the number of crimes of contempt of the Tribunal and crimes against the administration of justice. Note that these are the counts with which an individual was indicted, not convicted.

Name Indicted TA MIA FRC IH CPI C Transferred
to the STL 		Current status Ind.
Salim Ayyash[A] 28 June 2011 4 1 — 5 — — In absentia Fugitive; sentenced to life imprisonment in absentia[165][166] [167]
Mustafa Badreddine 28 June 2011 2 — — 3 — — In absentia Died on 13 May 2016; proceedings terminated on 12 July 2016[168][169] [170]
Hussein Oneissi 28 June 2011 2 — — 3 — — In absentia Fugitive; sentenced to life imprisonment in absentia[168][171][172] [173]
Assad Sabra 28 June 2011 2 — — 3 — — In absentia Acquitted on 8 August 2020[168][174] [173]
Hassan Merhi 31 July 2013 2 — — 3 — — In absentia Fugitive; sentenced to life imprisonment in absentia[168][171][175] [173]
Akhbar Beirut S.A.L. 31 January 2014 — — — — — 1 Summoned Sentenced to €6,000 fine[176] [177]
Ibrahim al-Amin 31 January 2014 — — — — — 1 Summoned Completed sentence of €20,000 fine on 14 August 2018[178] [177]
Al Jadeed S.A.L. / New T.V. S.A.L. 31 January 2014 — — — — — 2 Summoned Acquitted on 18 September 2015[179] [180]
Karma Khayat 31 January 2014 — — — — — 2 Summoned Acquitted on 8 March 2016[179] [180]
Notes
  1. ^ A second indictment was confirmed against Salim Ayyash in another case on 15 May 2019; in that case he is a fugitive and the case is in the pre-trial phase of in absentia proceedings.[163][164]

Outreach and legacy

Given the importance of providing timely and accurate information to the Lebanese public, the STL is the first international tribunal to require the establishment of a dedicated outreach unit in its Statute or Rules of Procedure and Evidence.[181] The Outreach and Legacy Unit, part of the Public Information and Communications Section within the Registry, is based in Beirut, Lebanon.[182] From there, it engages with legal professionals, government, academics, students and civil society organisations in order to communicate the Tribunal's work to the Lebanese and global public and seek feedback.[183] The Outreach and Legacy Unit therefore works in partnership with Lebanese universities, Bar Associations and NGOs to organise lectures, conferences, symposia, and roundtable discussions on topics related to the STL's mandate and general topics in international criminal justice throughout the year.[183]

The STL's Public Affairs Unit, based in Leidschendam, Netherlands, is also part of the Public Information and Communications Section and is responsible for creating and disseminating public information.[183] It supports the STL's outreach activities by organizing events and visits to the Tribunal by journalists, judges, students, state officials, academics, and others.[183]

Inter-University Programme on International Criminal Law and Procedure

The STL and the T.M.C. Asser Instituut jointly organize an Inter-University Programme on International Criminal Law and Procedure for senior Lebanese undergraduates (and some graduate students), in partnership with Lebanese-based universities.[184] Students from nearly a dozen Lebanese universities follow 15 lectures on international criminal law and procedure from prominent academic experts and practitioners.[184][185] Topics include the history of the law of the international tribunals; sources of international criminal (procedural) law; the substantive law of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and terrorism; general legal principles (modes of liability, rights of the accused, role of victims); jurisdiction, admissibility and complementarity; and international criminal proceedings (pre-trial, trial, judgment, appeal and sentencing).[184] Over 800 Lebanese students have completed the program since it began in 2011.[186] Each year, a group of students achieving the highest grades in the program are awarded a study trip to the seat of the STL in The Hague, Netherlands to visit the STL and neighbouring judicial institutions.[186] In 2016, a competition was organized to encourage program alumni to share their knowledge with younger Lebanese by conducting presentations on the STL to high school students.[187]

NGO Training

In 2014, the STL organized training to help non-governmental organizations in Lebanon to better monitor and follow international criminal proceedings, particularly those of the STL.[188] Training took place in Beirut, Lebanon and The Hague, Netherlands and included interactive sessions with over 20 trial monitoring experts.[188] Fifteen organizations took part.[188]

Lawyer Training

The STL and the Institute for Human Rights at the Beirut Bar Association, supported by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, organize annual training for lawyers on criminal procedures before international courts.[189] The program includes a mock trial where lawyers can work directly on issues involving international criminal law.[189] Approximately 25 lawyers are trained each year.

Publications

As part of its outreach efforts, the STL publishes a number of publications to help the public, journalists, and other interested parties follow its work.

Translation of Antonio Cassese's International Criminal Law into Arabic

In 2015, the STL launched the Arabic translation of the late STL President (and Judge) Antonio Cassese's foundational textbook, International Criminal Law.[190] The project, initiated by the STL, was sponsored by the Embassy of Switzerland in Lebanon and Sader Legal Publishers in Lebanon.[190] This was the first full textbook on international criminal law published in Arabic.[190]

Glossary of Legal Terms

In 2012, the STL's Outreach and Legacy Unit published a Glossary of Legal Terms in Arabic, English, and French, defining fundamental concepts related to international criminal law and to the STL itself in the three official languages of the Tribunal.[191]

Other publications

The STL publishes a monthly Bulletin providing updates about the latest developments and news.[192] The STL has also produced 130 short question-and-answer videos in Arabic, English, and French to explain its progress and unique features.[193][194]

Other Activities

Trial proceedings are streamed on the STL website with a thirty-minute delay.[195] The STL organizes regular briefings and courtroom tours for the public. In the reporting year 2015-2016, 1,554 visitors from 94 countries attended organized group visits.[195]

Controversies

Mass Resignations

Robin Vincent resigned as the SLT Registrar[68] in 2009 for what he described as the tribunal "not meeting the highest international standards in the field of criminal justice".[196] The appointment David Tolbert in July 2009 as his replacement did not provide any stability however, as the STL saw a rash of key resignations take place, including prosecution Spokesperson Radiya Ashouri, her successor, Henrietta Aswad, Judge Howard Morrison, Chief Investigator Naguib Kaldas,[197] Assistant Chief Prosecutor, Bernard Cote, Chief of Public Affairs, Peter Wickwire Foster, Registry spokesperson Suzann Khan, her successor Dr. Fatima el Issawi and, just eight months after his appointment, Tolbert[198] himself, leaving the credibility of the tribunal an open question before the first trial had even begun.[199]

Alleged Syrian involvement

The UN investigation into the assassination and the subsequent establishment of the STL provoked controversy and tension in Lebanon between different political groups, particularly the anti-Syrian March 14 Alliance and the pro-Syrian March 8 Alliance. Allegations of Syrian involvement in the attack[200] and the indictment of Hezbollah members[201] angered pro-Syria factions in Lebanon at the time.

Given the context in which the assassination of Hariri occurred (including reported threats to Hariri by Syrian president Bashar al-Assad in their last meeting and the attempted assassination of Lebanese politician Marwan Hamadeh, who had resisted Syrian demands, the previous October), Syrian involvement was immediately suspected.[200]

In the hours following the blast, individuals with strong ties to the Syrian government attempted to guide the Lebanese investigation toward a 22-year-old man of Palestinian origin named Ahmed Abu Addas.[202] That theory was quickly discredited.[200][202]

On 30 August 2005, four pro-Syrian Lebanese generals (some of whom had promoted the false Abu Addas theory[203]) were subsequently arrested under suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder.[204] They were detained without charge by Lebanese authorities for four years and released by the STL when it took over the investigation in 2009.[205] Mustafa Hamdan, former head of the Lebanese Presidential Guard brigade; Jamil al Sayyed, former Director-General of Security General; Ali al Hajj, director general of the Lebanese Internal Security Forces; and Raymond Azar, the former director of the Military Intelligence were released upon an order from the STL Pre-Trial Judge at the request of the Prosecutor due to lack of evidence.[206] In making the request, the Prosecutor had considered "inconsistencies in the statements of key witnesses and of a lack of corroborative evidence to support these statements".[207]

In September 2010, Saad Hariri told the pan-Arab newspaper Asharq al-Awsat that "[a]t a certain stage we made mistakes and accused Syria of assassinating the martyred premier. This was a political accusation, and this political accusation has finished."[208] He added that "[t]he tribunal is not linked to the political accusations, which were hasty... The tribunal will only look at evidence".[208]

According to Al-Manar, a Hezbollah-affiliated Lebanese television station, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said Syria had been vindicated as most Lebanese did not believe Syria was responsible anymore since they had been misled.[209] Within Lebanon, however, many Lebanese believe that Assad had Hariri killed because the latter demanded freedom from Syrian interference and occupation.[210]

False witnesses

"False witnesses" refer to witnesses who gave statements to UNIIIC investigators that were inconsistent and not corroborated by evidence.[211] Critics consider that the "false witnesses" damaged the credibility of the STL, while Tribunal supporters believe the witnesses may have been planted to discredit the investigation.[211]

Two "false witnesses," Mohammad Zuheir Siddiq and Husam Taher Husam, identified themselves as former Syrian intelligence officers and alleged top-level Syrian involvement in the killing of Hariri.[212] Siddiq further accused Hezbollah personnel of "logistical involvement" in the murder.[213][214]

In 2009, the STL Prosecution declared that the so-called false witnesses were no longer of interest to the Tribunal.[212] Siddiq subsequently went into hiding in Europe.[215]

The false witnesses issue sparked fierce political debate in Lebanon, with virtually all political leaders weighing in.[216][217][218][219][220][221][222][223] Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, Secretary-General of Hezbollah, accused the STL and the UN of protecting the false witnesses[224] and called for Siddiq to be arrested.[225] The Lebanese government appointed Justice Minister Ibrahim Najjar to study the issue.[226]

However, there were some prominent witnesses who testified on the political situation in Lebanon preceding Hariri's assassination, including: Marwan Hamade, Walid Jumblatt, Fouad Siniora and Jamil al Sayyed.[227]

General Jamil al Sayyed controversy

After the assassination of Rafic Hariri in 2005, four generals, including Jamil al Sayyed, were detained for suspected involvement.[228] The STL ordered the Lebanese authorities to release the generals when it was established in 2009,[229][230] after the testimony of the "false witnesses," the basis for the generals' detention, was discredited.[211]

Saying that he lacked faith in the Lebanese judiciary, which had detained him for four years, al Sayyed filed a lawsuit in Damascus, Syria in December 2009, accusing Lebanese authorities of covering up for the "false witnesses".[231] After repeated summons by Syria for the accused false witnesses were ignored, al-Sayyed's lawyer, Fasih al-Ashi, said a Syrian court issued more than 30 warrants[232] against judges, officers, politicians and journalists from various Arab countries.[231] Syria's Foreign Minister, Walid Muallem, however, said the warrants were "purely procedural."[233]

In 2010, al Sayyed requested that the STL Prosecutor disclose to him documents regarding his detention in Lebanon prior to the STL's establishment, including documents related to the "false witnesses."[234]

Soon after, in a press conference, al Sayyed attacked Prime Minister Saad Hariri, Rafic Hariri's son, calling on him to "take a lie detector test to prove he did not support or fund false witnesses in the Special Tribunal for Lebanon". He further called on the younger Hariri to "admit that he sold his father’s blood for four years in order to implement a new Middle East project.” Al Sayyed directed further comments at Saad Hariri by stating, "After all you have done to Syria, Bashar Assad hugged you rather than hanging you to death" and adding, "It's not enough for Hariri to admit that he erred, he has to pay the price of his mistakes". He also suggested that then-Prosecutor Daniel Bellemare should have summoned Hariri's political, security and judicial team and questioned them, then called on him and then STL President Antonio Cassese to resign. Al Sayyed alleged that despite some witnesses changing their testimony or having been found to be lying, the STL did not want to prosecute anyone as a false witness because "big heads would roll".[235] After he accused Saad Hariri of supporting the "false witnesses," on 12 September 2010, he called for Hariri to be held accountable or "I will do it someday with my own hands. The Lebanese people must unite against this [government] and topple it, even if by force."[236] Al Sayyed was subsequently summoned by Lebanese authorities for questioning over "threats against the Lebanese state".[237] Al Sayyed refused to respond to the summons, stating he "would not appear before any court unless Saeed Mirza, Lebanon’s general prosecutor, is dismissed."[238]

Al Sayyed subsequently filed a request with STL President Judge Cassese asking him to disqualify the STL Vice-President Judge Ralph Riachy from the proceedings because of the latter's involvement in his "arbitrary detention, the thing that raises questions about his integrity and impartiality."[239] The request was denied.[240]

During oral hearings, al Sayyed criticized the STL for not prosecuting the false witnesses and said that a conspiracy was involved in the investigation of the assassination.[241]

On 12 May 2011, the STL Pre-Trial Judge ordered more than 270 documents to be released to al Sayyed to allow him to pursue his claim for wrongful detention in the Lebanese national courts.[242]

Early rumours about suspects' Hezbollah links

On 23 May 2009, Der Spiegel revealed that after investigations into mobile phones that seemed to follow Rafic Hariri in the days leading up to the attack and on the day of the assassination,[a] investigators believed that Hezbollah forces planned and executed the attack.[244] The article did not state the names of specific individuals who would be indicted.

The rumours caused considerable political controversy in Lebanon. Prime Minister Saad Hariri vowed "not to allow my father's blood to stir disunity in Lebanon."[245] In 2010, when media reported that senior Hezbollah operative Mustafa Badreddine was the main suspect, Hariri reportedly asked the Tribunal to postpone the announcement because of the potentially-incendiary implications for Lebanon.[246]

Issuance of indictment

In September 2010, Prosecutor Daniel Bellemare stated that the indictment had not been drafted yet and would not be filed until he was satisfied there was enough evidence: "the impact of going too fast would be much worse. As I said before: The indictment has to be based on solid evidence".[247] Around the same time, Head of the Defence Office Francois Roux pointed out that an indictment was not a final decision or verdict and that in international criminal law (as in domestic criminal law), one could be found innocent even after an indictment.[248] The STL in The Hague refused to discuss either political alliance's approach to the tribunal.[249] Al Akhbar reported that following pressure from the United States on its Lebanese allies not to bargain over the STL, it would issue its first round of indictments in March 2011.[250]

The confidential indictment was filed on 17 January 2011[251] and confirmed on 28 June 2011.[252] The identities of those indicted were not officially revealed until a month later,[132] and the full indictment was not unsealed until August.[133] In the meantime, prior to the official announcement, the media had widely reported that Hezbollah members Mustafa Badreddine, Salim al-Ayyash, Assad Sabra and Hassan Oneissi had been charged.[134]

Tensions and political debate in Lebanon

Reacting to rumours that Hezbollah members would be indicted for Hariri's assassination, Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah condemned the investigation as an Israeli project intended to escalate tensions in Lebanon and that any indictment of a Hezbollah member could destabilise the unity of the government.[122] He also said he would resist any attempt to arrest even "half a member" of the party. He had previously questioned the alleged funding for the STL.[245]

Others reacted differently. Maronite patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir called the STL "fair and righteous."[253]

With rhetoric escalating on all sides, many political leaders in Lebanon worried that the indictment of Hezbollah members could destabilize the country and lead to civil strife.[254][255][256][257][258]

Visit of international leaders

On 30 July 2010, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Saudi King Abdullah and Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani visited Lebanon to calm tensions.[259] It was Assad's first visit to Lebanon since Hariri's assassination. The meeting was praised as symbolic[260] but crucial[256] to avoiding violence.[261] Hezbollah-affiliated news station Al-Manar hailed the visit and said Lebanon remained divided over the STL's course of action.[262]

Debate continues

Still, tensions remained. In September 2010, As-Safir surveyed Lebanese opinion on the STL and documents that Nasrallah had submitted purporting to show the involvement of Israel in the assassination. The results showed that 60% believed the international probe was politicised, unfair and biased, and 43% supported an amendment in the method and the style of the investigation to be more impartial and neutral; 17% also called for a complete abolition of the STL; 55% viewed the documents submitted by Nasrallah as convincing evidence of the suspicion of Israel. Almost half the respondents (49%) also said that they did not want to accuse any side in the killing, while 34% considered Israel to be behind the assassination and 5% accused the CIA and Mossad.[263]

The same month, Suleiman Frangieh warned that indictments against Hezbollah could mean "there is war in Lebanon... and today the atmosphere is just waiting for a spark. If the international tribunal [issues] a 'sectarian' decision, then yes, why don't we cancel it?”[258] He also suggested the STL was undermining Lebanon's stability instead of maintaining justice.[264] Walid Jumblatt also expressed "fears [of] the dangerous repercussions" of an indictment during a visit to Syria.[265] Syria's Foreign Minister, Walid Muallem, also expressed concern about the situation saying it was coordinating with Saudi Arabia over the "worrisome situation," but he added that "Lebanon alone can remove the factors that are causing instability." He also said "Whoever is interested in Lebanon's stability should work on preventing the tribunal's politicization."[266] In September 2010, a Hezbollah MP told the parliamentary Finance and Budget Commission that the Tribunal should be abolished by the end of the month "otherwise the matter will be very dangerous."[267] Around the same time, Saad Hariri reiterated his support for a "strategic relationship" with Syria and also said he would not back down from supporting the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.[268]

UN reaction

In reaction to attacks on the Tribunal, then-United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on political leaders in Lebanon not to interfere in the STL's affairs. However, he refused to discuss the status of the STL after Saad Hariri's acknowledgement of false witnesses. He told the press that the STL had made progress, while saying the Tribunal was independent, and "should not be associated with any political statements," adding that the Tribunal was "not in danger."[269] Citing the STL's "independence" and dismissing fears of violence, he said "I want to be perfectly clear. This tribunal... [has] a clear mandate from the Security Council to uncover the truth and end impunity. I urge all Lebanese and regional parties not to prejudge the outcome, nor to interfere in the tribunal's work. ... It will go on."[270]

Fall of government

The Lebanese government collapsed in January 2011 after 11 cabinet ministers aligned with the March 8 alliance, and one presidential appointee, withdrew over Prime Minister Saad Hariri's refusal to reject the STL.[271] Six months later a new government was formed composed of 8 March members and the former 14 March's Progressive Socialist Party under Prime Minister Najib Mikati, after the latter won a majority of votes in parliament.[272]

Hezbollah accusations against Israel

Following Israel's Channel 1 announcement of the names and positions of alleged suspects, Hezbollah's news outlet, Al-Manar, opined that the Special Tribunal for Lebanon was an opportunity for Israel to achieve its 'unachieved' goals in Lebanon.[273]

In a news conference on 9 August 2010, Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah denied Hezbollah's involvement in the assassination and claimed to have evidence that Israel was behind the attack.[274] This allegedly included an audio recording of an alleged Israeli agent and intercepted Israeli aerial drone footage of the route Hariri took before the explosion.[275] Nasrallah stated that Israel wanted to assassinate Hariri to create political chaos and force Syria to withdraw from Lebanon.[274]

Following the press conference, the STL Prosecution "requested Lebanese authorities to provide all the information in possession of" Nasrallah, including video material showed at the news conference and "any other material that would be of assistance to the Office of the Prosecutor in unveiling the truth".[276] It also invited Nasrallah "to use his authority to facilitate [the] investigation".[276]

Hezbollah subsequently submitted materials to the Lebanese authorities, who then passed it on to the STL Prosecutor's office.[277] An STL spokesperson confirmed that Prosecutor Daniel Bellemare was "carefully examining" the data.[277]

Calling the potential evidence "important and very sensitive", then-Prime Minister Saad Hariri stated that "I personally am in favor of a deep discussion of the details, because it is very important to me to find out the truth both as prime minister and as [Rafic] Hariri's son".[275] He reportedly said the STL should consider Nasrallah's allegations since his words reflected the views of many in Lebanon.[275]

The indictment's heavy reliance on telecommunications data raised questions upon its release in 2011; many Lebanese officials considered the evidence compromised due to infiltration by a number of intelligence agencies, including Israel's.[278] The telecommunications data remains a fundamental part of the Prosecution's case.[4][279]

Charara Clinic incident

On 27 October 2010, a team composed of two STL investigators and their translator, escorted by Lebanese security forces, came to interview Dr. Iman Charara at her clinic, located in the prominently Shi'ite Hezbollah stronghold in Beirut, the Dahieh district. At this time, there were unconfirmed reports that the Tribunal was planning to indict members of Hezbollah.[280] Upon the team's arrival, a crowd of people clad in veils with their faces covered, believed to be mostly men dressed in women's clothes,[280][281] attacked them and stole several items.[282][283] The investigators and female translator were extracted by the Lebanese army and subsequently received medical attention.[281][282][283]

Following the incident, Charara stated that she had cancelled all appointments for the day, in anticipation of the investigation team's visit, and that she could not ascertain the cause of the clash.[284] She has further stated that the investigators came to obtain the phone numbers of 14-17 of her patients.[285]

The incident prompted reactions from 14 March members, who expressed strong support for the Tribunal, while criticising the incident and accusing Hezbollah of orchestrating it.[280][286][287][288][289] Hezbollah, in turn, vehemently denied the charges, criticising the Tribunal's violation of the privacy of the Lebanese people.[290] In a televised speech the day after the incident, Nasrallah escalated his previous attacks on the Tribunal as an American-Israeli scheme and stated that cooperation with the Tribunal was tantamount to attacking the Resistance, prompting condemnations from the majority March 14 Alliance as well as the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.[291] The United Nations Secretary-General condemned the attack and called the acts of interference and intimidation unacceptable.[292]

Verdict

On 18 August 2020, the Special Tribunal for Lebanon concluded that there was no evidence that the leadership of Hezbollah or Syria were involved in the assassination of Rafic Hariri. One of the four Hezbollah suspects, Salim Ayyash, was found guilty on the basis of conspiracy to commit a terrorist act, but he is unlikely to serve any prison time since Hezbollah has vowed never to hand over any suspects.[102] However, three other defendants were acquitted due to insufficient evidence.[293]

In addition, the tribunal could not figure out who was the suicide bomber whose body parts were recovered from the scene,[102] nor the people who facilitated the operation; however, they indicated that Hezbollah members were observing the target, based on data from mobile phones allegedly used by the plotters.[294][a]

On 11 December 2020, the Special Tribunal for Lebanon sentenced Salim Ayyash, to five concurrent terms of life in prison in absentia for his role in the assassination of Rafic Hariri.[295]

On 16 June 2022, Habib Merhi and Hussein Oneissi were also sentenced to life imprisonment in absentia, despite an appeal made earlier in March that year.[296]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ a b Lebanese police captain Wissam Eid, who was assassinated in 2008, had uncovered five groups of cellphones involving scores of operatives related the assassination plot.[243]

References

  1. ^ a b "Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon", Preamble, 30 May 2007, retrieved 8 November 2016
  2. ^ "United Nations Security Council Resolution 1757 (2007)", Annex - Agreement between the United Nations and the Lebanese Republic on the establishment of a Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Preamble, 30 May 2007, retrieved 8 November 2016
  3. ^ "Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon", Article 2, 30 May 2007, retrieved 8 November 2016
  4. ^ a b "STL-11-01/T/TC: The Prosecutor v. Salim Jamil Ayyash, Hassan Habib Merhi, Hussein Hassan Oneissi, and Assad Hassan Sabra Redacted Version of the Amended Consolidated Indictment". STL. 12 July 2016. Retrieved 13 July 2016.
  5. ^ Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (PDF), 10 June 2007, retrieved 21 March 2011
  6. ^ Wetzel, Jan Erik; Yvonne Mitri (2008). "The Special Tribunal for Lebanon: A Court "Off the Shelf " for a Divided Country" (PDF). The Law and Practice of International Courts and Tribunals. 7: 81–114. doi:10.1163/157180308X311110. Retrieved 30 June 2012.
  7. ^ "Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon", Article 1, 30 May 2007, retrieved 8 November 2016
  8. ^ "Security Council Press Statement on Special Tribunal for Lebanon". United Nations Security Council, SC/9606-L/3139. 3 March 2009. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  9. ^ "Int'l Tribunal on Hariri's murder starts officially in March". People's Daily Online. 27 November 2008. Retrieved 7 December 2008.
  10. ^ "Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon", Article 4(1), 30 May 2007, retrieved 8 November 2016
  11. ^ "Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon", Article 14, 30 May 2007, retrieved 8 November 2016
  12. ^ "Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon", Article 22, 30 May 2007, retrieved 8 November 2016
  13. ^ Tolbert, David (2014). "Introduction: A Very Special Tribunal". In Alamuddin, Amal; Jurdi, Nidal Nabil (eds.). The Special Tribunal for Lebanon: Law and Practice. Oxford University Press. pp. 1–9. ISBN 978-0-19-968745-9.
  14. ^ a b "Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon", Article 9(3), 30 May 2007, retrieved 8 November 2016
  15. ^ "United Nations Security Council Resolution 1757 (2007)", Annex - Agreement between the United Nations and the Lebanese Republic on the establishment of a Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Article 21(1), 30 May 2007, retrieved 8 November 2016
  16. ^ Follath, Erich (23 May 2009). "Breakthrough in Tribunal Investigation: New Evidence Points to Hezbollah in Hariri Murder – SPIEGEL ONLINE – News – International". Der Spiegel. Retrieved 3 August 2010.
  17. ^ "United Nations Security Council Resolution 1757 (2007)", Annex - Agreement between the United Nations and the Lebanese Republic on the establishment of a Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Article 21(2), 30 May 2007, retrieved 8 November 2016
  18. ^ "Rafik Hariri tribunal: Verdict due over assassination of Lebanon ex-PM". BBC. 18 August 2020.
  19. ^ "Lebanon Hariri tribunal judgement postponed after Beirut blast". Arab News. 5 August 2020.
  20. ^ United Nations Security Council (29 March 2006), United Nations Security Council Resolution 1664 (2006), retrieved 17 February 2017
  21. ^ "United Nations Security Council Resolution 1757 (2007)", Preamble, 30 May 2007, retrieved 8 November 2016
  22. ^ Letter dated 15 May 2007 from the Secretary-General to the President of the Security Council (PDF), 15 May 2007, retrieved 17 February 2017
  23. ^ "Resolution 1757 (2007)". United Nations Security Council. 30 May 2007. Retrieved 13 January 2016.
  24. ^ "Resolution 1757 (2007)". Annex - Agreement between the United Nations and the Lebanese Republic on the establishment of a Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Article 19. United Nations Security Council. 30 May 2007. Retrieved 13 January 2016.
  25. ^ "Secretary-General launches measures to establish Special Tribunal for Lebanon, in accordance with Security Council Resolution 1757 (2007)". United Nations Secretary General. 11 June 2007. Retrieved 13 January 2016.
  26. ^ Secretary-General welcomes Netherlands' favourable response to hosts Lebanon tribunal, created to prosecute those responsible for Rafiq Hariri's death, 17 August 2007, retrieved 13 January 2017
  27. ^ "Special Tribunal for Lebanon to be based at The Hague". United Nations. 21 December 2007. Retrieved 13 January 2017.
  28. ^ "Security Council Press Statement on Special Tribunal for Lebanon". United Nations. 3 March 2009. Retrieved 13 January 2017.
  29. ^ "United Nations Security Council Resolution 1852 (2008)". United Nations Security Council. 17 December 2008. Retrieved 17 February 2017.
  30. ^ "Special Tribunal for Lebanon". United Nations. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  31. ^ "Courtroom". Special Tribunal for Lebanon. Archived from the original on 3 May 2009. Retrieved 9 February 2013.
  32. ^ Human Rights Watch (30 May 2006). "Establishing the Hariri Tribunal". Retrieved 7 December 2008.
  33. ^ Ghattas, Kim (21 May 2006). "Lebanon's groundbreaking tribunal". BBC News. Retrieved 7 December 2008.
  34. ^ "United Nations Security Council Resolution 1757 (2007)", Annex - Agreement between the United Nations and the Lebanese Republic on the establishment of a Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Article 21(1), 30 May 2007, retrieved 8 November 2016
  35. ^ "United Nations Security Council Resolution 1757 (2007)", Annex - Agreement between the United Nations and the Lebanese Republic on the establishment of a Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Article 21(2), 30 May 2007, retrieved 8 November 2016
  36. ^ "Mandate of UN-backed tribunal for Lebanon extended for three more years". UN News Centre. 2 January 2015. Retrieved 27 December 2016.
  37. ^ "Agreement between the United Nations and the Lebanese Republic on the establishment of a Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Article 21". Special Tribunal for Lebanon website. 30 May 2007. Retrieved 27 December 2016.
  38. ^ "Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon", Article 2, 30 May 2007, retrieved 17 February 2017
  39. ^ "Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon", Article 28(2), 30 May 2007, retrieved 17 February 2017
  40. ^ "About the Registry". Archived from the original on 6 July 2011. Retrieved 7 December 2008.
  41. ^ Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Article 7.
  42. ^ Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Article 12.
  43. ^ Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Article 11.
  44. ^ Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Article 13.
  45. ^ "Handbook on The Special Tribunal for Lebanon". 1 April 2008. International Center for Transitional Justice
  46. ^ a b c "Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon", Article 17, 30 May 2007, retrieved 18 January 2017
  47. ^ "STL Rules of Procedure and Evidence" (PDF), Rule 51, 20 March 2009, retrieved 18 January 2017
  48. ^ Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Article 8(1).
  49. ^ Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Article 8(3).
  50. ^ a b Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Article 8(2).
  51. ^ STL Rules of Procedure and Evidence, Rule 31
  52. ^ STL Rules of Procedure and Evidence, Rule 31(C).
  53. ^ STL Rules of Procedure and Evidence, Rule 32.
  54. ^ Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Article 10(2).
  55. ^ Tributes to Judge Antonio Cassese (1937 to 2011). Special Tribunal for Lebanon website. Undated.
  56. ^ Tribunal appoints new President (Press release). The Hague, Netherlands: Special Tribunal for Lebanon. 10 October 2011.
  57. ^ Election of Judge Ivana Hrdličková as new STL President (Press release). The Hague, Netherlands: Special Tribunal for Lebanon. 19 February 2015.
  58. ^ a b Re-election of STL President and Vice President (Press release). The Hague, Netherlands: Special Tribunal for Lebanon. 4 July 2016.
  59. ^ STL Rules of Procedure and Evidence, Rule 33.
  60. ^ STL Rules of Procedure and Evidence, Rule 34.
  61. ^ Vice-president - Judge Ralph Riachi. Special Tribunal for Lebanon website. 7 June 2011.
  62. ^ Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Article 12(1).
  63. ^ Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Article 12(2).
  64. ^ Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Article 12(4).
  65. ^ a b c Registry. Special Tribunal for Lebanon website. Undated.
  66. ^ Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Article 12(3).
  67. ^ "Ban Ki-moon names top official for Lebanon tribunal". UN News Centre. 11 April 2008. Retrieved 7 December 2008.
  68. ^ a b The Registrar of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Mr. Robin Vincent, has resigned from his position effective June 2009 (Press release). The Hague, Netherlands: Special Tribunal for Lebanon. 21 April 2009.
  69. ^ Secretary-General appoints David Tolbert of the United States of America as the Registrar of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (Press release). The Hague, Netherlands: Special Tribunal for Lebanon. 10 July 2009.
  70. ^ Secretary General Appoints Herman von Hebel as Acting STL Registrar (Press release). The Hague, Netherlands: Special Tribunal for Lebanon. 1 March 2010.
  71. ^ Herman von Hebel appointed Registrar of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (Press release). The Hague, Netherlands: Special Tribunal for Lebanon. 10 December 2010.
  72. ^ UN Secretary-General Appoints Daryl A. Mundis as Registrar of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (Press release). The Hague, Netherlands: Special Tribunal for Lebanon. 24 July 2013.
  73. ^ a b "STL Rules of Procedure and Evidence" (PDF), Rule 87, 20 March 2009, retrieved 18 January 2017
  74. ^ "STL Rules of Procedure and Evidence" (PDF), Rule 51(B), 20 March 2009, retrieved 18 January 2017
  75. ^ "STL Rules of Procedure and Evidence" (PDF), Rule 51(C), 20 March 2009, retrieved 18 January 2017
  76. ^ Legal Representative of Victims, retrieved 18 January 2017
  77. ^ Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Article 11(1)
  78. ^ "United Nations Security Council Resolution 1757 (2007)", Annex - Agreement between the United Nations and the Lebanese Republic on the establishment of a Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Article 17(a), 30 May 2007, retrieved 28 December 2016
  79. ^ a b "Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon", Article 11(5), 30 May 2007, retrieved 8 November 2016
  80. ^ "United Nations Security Council Resolution 1757 (2007)", Annex - Agreement between the United Nations and the Lebanese Republic on the establishment of a Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Article 15, 30 May 2007, retrieved 28 December 2016
  81. ^ "Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon", Article 18(2), 30 May 2007, retrieved 8 November 2016
  82. ^ a b "Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon", Article 18(1), 30 May 2007, retrieved 8 November 2016
  83. ^ Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Article 11(3).
  84. ^ Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Article 11(4).
  85. ^ Second report of the Secretary-General submitted pursuant to Security Council resolution 1757 (2007), S/2008/173, para. 13. 12 March 2008.
  86. ^ a b Judicial Officials Sworn In and Rules of Evidence and Procedures Adopted (Press release). The Hague, Netherlands: Special Tribunal for Lebanon. 24 March 2009.
  87. ^ Secretary-General Appoints Prosecutor, Judge to Special Tribunal for Lebanon (Press release). New York: United Nations Secretary-General. 29 February 2012.
  88. ^ Deputy Prosecutor - Joyce F. Tabet. Special Tribunal for Lebanon website. 7 June 2011.
  89. ^ "Lebanon appoints Joyce Tabet as STL deputy state prosecutor". Dailystar.com.lb. 18 August 2009. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  90. ^ a b Special Tribunal for Lebanon First Annual Report (2009–2010), para. 15. March 2010.
  91. ^ a b Jones, John R.W.D. and Zgonec-Rožej, Miša (2014). "Chapter 10: Rights of Suspects and Accused". In Alamuddin, Amal, Jurdi, Nidal Nabil and Tolbert, David. The Special Tribunal for Lebanon: Law and Practice. Oxford University Press. pp. 177-207 (at p. 191). ISBN 978-0-19-968745-9.
  92. ^ Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Defence Office, retrieved 17 February 2017
  93. ^ a b Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Article 13(1).
  94. ^ Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, STL Statute, Article 13(2).
  95. ^ Head of Defence Office - François Roux. Special Tribunal for Lebanon website. 7 June 2011.
  96. ^ The Head of Defence Office Appoints Deputy (Press release). The Hague, Netherlands: Special Tribunal for Lebanon. 7 October 2010.
  97. ^ Deputy Head of Defence Office - Héleyn Uñac. Special Tribunal for Lebanon website. 8 September 2014.
  98. ^ a b c Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Defence Counsel, retrieved 17 February 2017
  99. ^ "UN Security Council Resolution 1757 (2007)". Annex - Agreement between the United Nations and the Lebanese Republic on the establishment of a Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Article 5(1). Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  100. ^ a b c "STL Seventh Annual Report (2015–2016)". STL website. p. 40. Retrieved 17 February 2017.
  101. ^ a b Jansen, Jaime (11 September 2007). "Netherlands invite UN to finalize hosting details for Hariri tribunal". JURIST. Archived from the original on 20 September 2007. Retrieved 7 December 2008.
  102. ^ a b c "Hariri verdict: One guilty, three acquitted over 2005 assassination of former Lebanese PM". euronews.com. 18 August 2020.
  103. ^ "UN tribunal for Lebanon may close after July due to financial crisis". Reuters. 2 June 2021.
  104. ^ "Lebanon tribunal scraps new trial of Hariri assassin because of funding shortage". Reuters. 3 June 2021.
  105. ^ "Lebanon urges UN to find alternative funding for Hariri tribunal". Al Jazeera. 4 June 2021.
  106. ^ a b "STL Annual Report (2009–2010)". STL website. p. 8. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  107. ^ "STL Second Annual Report (2010–2011)". STL website. p. 23. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  108. ^ a b "STL Fourth Annual Report (2012–2013)". STL website. p. 25. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  109. ^ a b "STL Sixth Annual Report (2014–2015)". STL website. p. 27. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  110. ^ "UN Security Council Resolution 1757 (2007)". Annex - Agreement between the United Nations and the Lebanese Republic on the establishment of a Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Article 8. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  111. ^ "Lebanon's Special Tribunal to be located in former Dutch Intelligence HQ". NOW News. 21 December 2007. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  112. ^ "Taylor Trial to move to STL courtroom". Sierraexpressmedia.com. 13 May 2010. Archived from the original on 16 May 2010. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  113. ^ "Charles Taylor: Q&A on The Case of Prosecutor v. Charles Ghankay Taylor at the Special Court for Sierra Leone". Human Rights Watch. 16 April 2012. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  114. ^ "About the STL". STL website. Retrieved 27 December 2016.
  115. ^ "UN team starts probe into assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister". United Nations News Centre. 25 February 2005. Retrieved 13 January 2017.
  116. ^ "Report of the Fact-finding Mission to Lebanon inquiring into the causes, circumstances and consequences of the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri". United Nations Security Council. 24 March 2005. Retrieved 13 January 2017.
  117. ^ a b "Resolution 1595 (2005)". United Nations Security Council. 7 April 2005. Retrieved 13 January 2017.
  118. ^ "Handbook on The Special Tribunal for Lebanon". 1 April 2008.International Center for Transitional Justice
  119. ^ a b "Tenth report of the International Independent Investigation Commission established pursuant to Security Council resolutions 1595 (2005), 1636 (2005), 1644 (2005), 1686 (2006) and 1748 (2007)" (PDF). United Nations Security Council. 28 March 2008. Retrieved 13 January 2017.
  120. ^ "Creation of the STL". Special Tribunal for Lebanon. Retrieved 13 January 2017.
  121. ^ "Order of the Pre-Trial Judge regarding the release of the four Generals". Special Tribunal for Lebanon. 29 April 2009. Retrieved 13 January 2017.
  122. ^ a b "What are Syria's interests in Lebanon?". Gulf News. 30 July 2010. Retrieved 3 August 2010.
  123. ^ "Hariri probe team re-enacts blast – Middle East". Al Jazeera English. Retrieved 12 December 2011.
  124. ^ "STL Prosecutor submits an indictment to the Pre-Trial Judge". Special Tribunal for Lebanon. 17 January 2011.
  125. ^ a b "US welcomes Hariri indictment". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 12 December 2011.
  126. ^ "Prosecutor Daniel A. Bellemare files an amended indictment". STL. 11 March 2011.
  127. ^ "All Quiet on the Lebanon Front". The Weekly Standard. 28 March 2011. Retrieved 12 December 2011.
  128. ^ "Statement by the President on the Special Tribunal for Lebanon Announcement". whitehouse.gov. 17 January 2011 – via National Archives.
  129. ^ "Decision Relating to the Examination of the Indictment of 10 June 2011 Issued Against Mr Salim Jamil Ayyash, Mr Mustafa Amine Badreddine, Mr Hussein Hassan Oneissi & Mr Assad Hassan Sabra". STL Pre-Trial Judge. 28 June 2011.
  130. ^ a b "Media advisory - What follows a confirmed indictment?". Special Tribunal for Lebanon. 30 June 2011.
  131. ^ "Hariri murder: UN tribunal issues arrest warrants". BBC News. 30 June 2011. Retrieved 3 July 2011.
  132. ^ a b "Pre-Trial Judge lifts confidentiality from parts of the indictment". STL. 29 July 2011. Retrieved 31 March 2017.
  133. ^ a b "Indictment and its confirmation decision made public". STL. 17 August 2011. Retrieved 31 March 2017.
  134. ^ a b c d e "Hezbollah leader Nasrallah rejects Hariri indictments". BBC News. 3 July 2011. Retrieved 3 July 2011.
  135. ^ "Lebanon's Arabic press digest". The Daily Star. 3 July 2011. Retrieved 3 July 2011.
  136. ^ "Nasrallah implies Israel behind Hariri murder". Al Jazeera. 2 July 2011. Retrieved 3 July 2011.
  137. ^ a b "Decision to Hold Trial in Absentia". STL Trial Chamber. 1 February 2011.
  138. ^ "Press Release: In absentia proceedings". STL. 1 February 2012.
  139. ^ "Press Release: Victims' participation". STL. 9 May 2012.
  140. ^ "Press Release: Victims' legal representatives sworn in". STL. 5 June 2012.
  141. ^ "Media Advisory - Media Accreditation for Start of Trial at the STL". STL. 23 December 2013.
  142. ^ "Ayyash et al. Opening Statement". STL. 16 January 2014.
  143. ^ a b "Decision on Trial Management and Reasons for Decision on Joinder". STL Trial Chamber. 25 February 2014.
  144. ^ "Decision on Appeal by Counsel for Mr Merhi against the Trial Chamber's Decision on the Resumption of Trial Proceedings". STL Appeals Chamber. 5 June 2014.
  145. ^ "Hezbollah commander Badreddine killed in Syria". BBC News. 13 May 2016.
  146. ^ "Decision on Badreddine Defence Interlocutory Appeal of the "Interim Decision on the Death of Mr Mustafa Amine Badreddine and Possible Termination of Proceedings"". STL Appeals Chamber. 11 July 2016.
  147. ^ "Redacted Version of the Amended Consolidated Indictment". STL. 12 July 2016.
  148. ^ "Courtroom Schedule". STL.
  149. ^ a b c "The Trial Chamber scheduled the presentation of the victims' case for the week of 28 August 2017". STL. 2 August 2017.
  150. ^ "Decision on the Legal Representatives of Victims' Application to Call Evidence, Schedule the Presentation of Evidence and Directions on Disclosure Obligations". Disposition. STL Trial Chamber. 31 July 2017.
  151. ^ "Pre-Trial Judge rules on connected cases". Special Tribunal for Lebanon. 19 August 2011. Retrieved 17 February 2017.
  152. ^ a b "Connected cases, Hamadeh, Hawi and El-Murr (STL-11-02)". Special Tribunal for Lebanon. Retrieved 28 December 2016.
  153. ^ "Decision Relating to the Examination of the Indictment of 10 June 2011 Issued against Mr Salim Jamil Ayyash, Mr Mustafa Amine Badreddine, Mr Hussein Hassan Oneissi & Mr Assad Hassan Sabra", para. 101, 28 June 2011, retrieved 27 January 2017
  154. ^ Decision relating to the Prosecution Request Seeking Measures for the Non-Dissemination of Material of 2 May 2012, 25 May 2012, retrieved 27 January 2017
  155. ^ "Redacted Version of Decision in Proceedings for Contempt with Orders in Lieu of an Indictment", STL-14-05, 31 January 2014, retrieved 27 January 2017
  156. ^ "Redacted Version of Decision in Proceedings for Contempt with Orders in Lieu of an Indictment", STL-14-06, 31 January 2014, retrieved 27 January 2017
  157. ^ Ahmed Aboulenein and Estelle Shirbon (17 March 2015), Press freedom at stake in Lebanon tribunal case, says accused Reuters.
  158. ^ a b Press Release: Judgment in the case against Al Jadeed S.A.L and Ms Karma Al Khayat, 18 September 2015, retrieved 27 January 2017
  159. ^ Reasons for Sentencing, 6 October 2015, retrieved 27 January 2017
  160. ^ "Public Redacted Version of Judgment on Appeal", STL-14-05, 8 March 2016, retrieved 27 January 2017
  161. ^ "Public Redacted Version of the Judgment", STL-14-06, 15 July 2016, retrieved 27 January 2017
  162. ^ "Reasons for Sentencing Judgment", STL-14-06, 5 September 2016, retrieved 27 January 2017
  163. ^ "STL-18-10/I/TC: The Prosecutor v. Salim Jamil Ayyash Decision to Hold Trial in Absentia" (PDF). STL. 5 February 2020. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
  164. ^ "STL-18-10/I/PTJ: The Prosecutor v. Salim Jamil Ayyash Public Redacted Indictment" (PDF). STL. 14 June 2019. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
  165. ^ "STL-11-01/S/TC: The Prosecutor v. Salim Jamil Ayyash Sentencing Judgment" (PDF). STL. 11 December 2020. Retrieved 12 December 2020.
  166. ^ "STL-11-01/ES/TC: The Prosecutor v. Salim Jamil Ayyash Decision and Order to Arrest Salim Jamil Ayyash" (PDF). STL. 11 December 2020. Retrieved 11 March 2022.
  167. ^ "STL-11-01/T/TC: The Prosecutor v. Salim Jamil Ayyash, Hassan Habib Merhi, Hussein Hassan Oneissi, and Assad Hassan Sabra Updated Public Redacted Version of the Amended Consolidated Indictment" (PDF). STL. 12 July 2016. Retrieved 25 January 2019.
  168. ^ a b c d "STL-11-01/T/TC: The Prosecutor v. Salim Jamil Ayyash, Hassan Habib Merhi, Hussein Hassan Oneissi, and Assad Hassan Sabra Judgment" (PDF). STL. 18 August 2020. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
  169. ^ "STL-11-01/T/TC: The Prosecutor v. Salim Jamil Ayyash, Mustafa Amine Badreddine, Hassan Habib Merhi, Hussein Hassan Oneissi, and Assad Hassan Sabra Order Terminating Proceedings against Mustafa Amine Badreddine without Prejudice and Ordering the Filing of an Amended Consolidated Indictment" (PDF). STL. 12 July 2016. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  170. ^ "STL-11-01/T/TC: The Prosecutor v. Salim Jamil Ayyash, Mustafa Amine Badreddine, Hassan Habib Merhi, Hussein Hassan Oneissi, and Assad Hassan Sabra Redacted Version of the Consolidated Indictment" (PDF). STL. 7 March 2014. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  171. ^ a b "STL-11-01/A-2/AC: The Prosecutor v. Hassan Habib Merhi and Hussein Hassan Oneissi Sentencing Judgment" (PDF). STL. 16 June 2022. Retrieved 17 June 2022.
  172. ^ "STL-11-01/A-2/AC: The Prosecutor v. Hassan Habib Merhi and Hussein Hassan Oneissi Decision and Order to Arrest Hussein Hassan Oneissi" (PDF). STL. 10 March 2022. Retrieved 11 March 2022.
  173. ^ a b c "STL-11-01/T/TC: The Prosecutor v. Salim Jamil Ayyash, Hassan Habib Merhi, Hussein Hassan Oneissi, and Assad Hassan Sabra Redacted Version of the Amended Consolidated Indictment" (PDF). STL. 12 July 2016. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  174. ^ "STL-11-01/T/TC: The Prosecutor v. Salim Jamil Ayyash, Mustafa Amine Badreddine, Hassan Habib Merhi, Hussein Hassan Oneissi, and Assad Hassan Sabra Order Annulling the Arrest Warrants, International Arrest Warrants, Orders and Requests for the Transfer and Detention of Hassan Habib Merhi, Hussein Hassan Oneissi and Assad Hassan Sabra" (PDF). STL. 18 August 2020. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
  175. ^ "STL-11-01/A-2/AC: The Prosecutor v. Hassan Habib Merhi and Hussein Hassan Oneissi Decision and Order to Arrest Hassan Habib Merhi" (PDF). STL. 10 March 2022. Retrieved 11 March 2022.
  176. ^ "STL-14-06/S/CJ: In the Case against Akhbar Beirut S.A.L. and Ibrahim Mohamed Al Amin Reasons for Sentencing Judgment" (PDF). STL. 5 September 2016. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  177. ^ a b "STL-14-06/I/CJ: In the Case against Akhbar Beirut S.A.L. and Ibrahim Mohamed Al Amin Redacted Version of Decision in Proceedings for Contempt with Orders in Lieu of an Indictment" (PDF). STL. 31 January 2014. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  178. ^ "STL-14-06/ES/CJ: In the Case against Akhbar Beirut S.A.L. and Ibrahim Mohamed Al Amin Order Lifting Confidentiality" (PDF). STL. 12 October 2018. Retrieved 16 October 2018.
  179. ^ a b "STL-14-05/A/AP: In the Case against Al Jadeed [Co.] S.A.L. / New T.V. S.A.L. (N.T.V.) and Karma Mohamed Tahsin al Khayat Public Redacted Version of Judgment on Appeal" (PDF). STL. 8 March 2016. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  180. ^ a b "STL-14-05/PT/CJ: In the Case against Al Jadeed [Co.] S.A.L. / New T.V. S.A.L. (N.T.V.) and Karma Mohamed Tahsin al Khayat Amended Order in Lieu of an Indictment" (PDF). STL. 17 October 2014. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  181. ^ "STL Rules of Procedure and Evidence" (PDF), Rule 52(A), 20 March 2009, retrieved 18 January 2017
  182. ^ "Outreach". STL website. Retrieved 24 March 2017.
  183. ^ a b c d "The Public Information and Communications Section". STL website. Retrieved 24 March 2017.
  184. ^ a b c "Inter-University Programme on International Criminal Law and Procedure". TMC Asser Institute. Retrieved 24 March 2017.
  185. ^ "Inter-University Course on International Criminal Law and Procedure, November 2016 – April 2017". STL website. Retrieved 24 March 2017.
  186. ^ a b "A group of Lebanese students visit the Special Tribunal for Lebanon". STL. 1 September 2016. Retrieved 24 March 2017.
  187. ^ "STL Bulletin ( August–September 2016)". STL. September 2016. Retrieved 24 March 2017.
  188. ^ a b c "Representatives of Lebanese NGOs complete the training on monitoring international criminal proceedings". STL. 1 December 2014. Retrieved 24 March 2017.
  189. ^ a b "دورة تدريبية أصول المحاكمات أمام المحاكم الجنائية الدولية في تطبيقاتها العملية". Beirut Bar Association. Retrieved 24 March 2017.
  190. ^ a b c "Launch of the Arabic Translation of Judge Antonio Cassese's book "International Criminal Law"". STL. 20 May 2015. Retrieved 24 March 2017.
  191. ^ "Glossary of Legal Terms". STL website. Retrieved 24 March 2017.
  192. ^ "STL Bulletin". STL website. STL. Retrieved 24 March 2017.
  193. ^ "Q and A's". STL YouTube. Retrieved 24 March 2017.
  194. ^ "Ask the Tribunal". STL website. STL. Retrieved 24 March 2017.
  195. ^ a b "STL Seventh Annual Report (2015–2016)". STL website. p. 37. Retrieved 24 March 2017.
  196. ^ "STL's Cassese: Resignation Likely Sign of Infighting".
  197. ^ "Hariri tribunal chief steps aside". UPI.com. 7 January 2010. Retrieved 3 August 2010.
  198. ^ Secretary-General Regrets Resignation of Lebanon Special Tribunal; Praises Leadership, Excellent Progress Made during Tenure (Statement). New York: United Nations Secretary-General. 12 January 2010.
  199. ^ "Special Tribunal for Lebanon suffering from lack of credibility" (PDF).
  200. ^ a b c Whitaker, Brian (22 June 2005). "Beirut murder mystery". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
  201. ^ "STL-11-01/T/TC: The Prosecutor v. Salim Jamil Ayyash, Hassan Habib Merhi, Hussein Hassan Oneissi, and Assad Hassan Sabra, Redacted Version of the Amended Consolidated Indictment". STL. 12 July 2016. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
  202. ^ a b "Report of the International Independent Investigation Commission established pursuant to Security Council resolution 1595 (2005)". para. 209. United Nations. 19 October 2005. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
  203. ^ "Report of the International Independent Investigation Commission established pursuant to Security Council resolution 1595 (2005)". paras. 54, 58, 82. United Nations. 19 October 2005. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
  204. ^ "Report of the International Independent Investigation Commission established pursuant to Security Council resolution 1595 (2005)". para. 174. United Nations. 19 October 2005. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
  205. ^ "Generals held in Hariri killing walk free". CNN. 29 April 2005. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
  206. ^ "Order Regarding the Detention of Persons Detained in Lebanon in Connection with the Case of the Attack against Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri and Others". STL Pre-Trial Chamber. 29 April 2009. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
  207. ^ "Order Regarding the Detention of Persons Detained in Lebanon in Connection with the Case of the Attack against Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri and Others". para. 34(vi). STL Pre-Trial Chamber. 29 April 2009. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
  208. ^ a b "Hariri says was wrong to accuse Syria over killing". Reuters. 6 September 2010. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
  209. ^ ‘Misled Lebanese Discovered Syria has No Link with Hariri’s Murder’[dead link]
  210. ^ Fisk, Robert (12 May 2015). "Rafiq Hariri tribunal: Was the former Lebanon PM's assassination the work of Syria's President Assad?". The Independent. Archived from the original on 24 May 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
  211. ^ a b c "Why Was a Former Lebanese 'Spymaster' Trying to Become a UNESCO Delegate?". VICE. 17 March 2014. Retrieved 29 March 2017.
  212. ^ a b Galey, Patrick (8 December 2011). "STL not investigating false witnesses, says tribunal's registrar on Twitter". The Daily Star. Retrieved 11 December 2011.
  213. ^ Former Syrian agent fingers Hezb men for Hariri hit MenaFM.com 12 April 2010
  214. ^ "Siddiq: Syrian documents prove Hezbollah's involvement in Harir's murder". Ya Libnan. 15 September 2010. Retrieved 29 March 2017.
  215. ^ "Former Syrian agent links Hezbollah to Hariri murder". LB: Yalibnan.com. Retrieved 29 March 2017.
  216. ^ "STL Does Not Comment on Lebanese Government Decision". Almanar.com.lb. 23 August 2010. Archived from the original on 3 December 2012. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  217. ^ "Aoun Says Lawsuit Has Been Filed against False Witnesses". Almanar.com.lb. 24 August 2010. Archived from the original on 11 January 2013. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  218. ^ "Intelligence Bureau's Chief Siddiq Testimony's Translator?". Almanar.com.lb. 14 September 2010. Archived from the original on 11 January 2013. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  219. ^ Cabinet to Discuss Najjar’s Report as Hezbollah Sees Contradictions [dead link]
  220. ^ Experts to Al-Manar: Najjar’s Report on False Witnesses Political[dead link]
  221. ^ "Sheikh Qaouq: Trying False Witnesses Natural Solution to Crisis". Almanar.com.lb. 7 September 2010. Retrieved 8 October 2010.[dead link]
  222. ^ Patriarch Sfeir: False Witnesses Must be Held Accountable[dead link]
  223. ^ Jumblatt Rejects 'Silly' Calls for PM Saad Hariri's Resignation[dead link]
  224. ^ "Sayyed Nasrallah: Bellemare, UN Protecting False Witnesses". Al-ManarTV. Archived from the original on 12 October 2010. Retrieved 9 February 2013.
  225. ^ "Nasrallah calls for arresting Siddiq". NOW Lebanon. 30 April 2010. Retrieved 29 March 2017.
  226. ^ "Geagea to NOW Lebanon: I see a real danger that could take the country back to before 2005". NOW Lebanon. 9 October 2010. Retrieved 29 March 2017.
  227. ^ "Order to the Oneissi Defence to Provide a Summary of Facts of Mr Jamil El-Sayyed's Expected Testimony" (PDF). The Trial Chamber: Special Tribunal for Lebanon. 16 May 2018. pp. 1, 3.
  228. ^ "Lebanese generals held in Hariri murder case granted release by UN-backed court". UN News Centre. 29 April 2009. Retrieved 30 March 2017.
  229. ^ "Order of the Pre-Trial Judge regarding the release of the four Generals". STL. 29 April 2009. Retrieved 30 March 2017.
  230. ^ "ORDER REGARDING THE DETENTION OF PERSONS DETAINED IN LEBANON IN CONNECTION WITH THE CASE OF THE ATTACK AGAINST PRIME MINISTER RAFIQ HARIRI AND OTHERS". STL. 29 April 2009. Retrieved 30 March 2017.
  231. ^ a b Batoul Wehbe (4 October 2010). "Syria Issues Arrest Warrants against Mehlis, Hamade, Hasan, Khashan and Others". Almanar.com.lb. Archived from the original on 17 October 2010. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  232. ^ "Syria orders arrests in Hariri case – Middle East". Al Jazeera English. 4 October 2010. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  233. ^ "Syrian FM: Arrest Warrants Purely Procedural, STL Lebanese Affair". Almanar.com.lb. 6 October 2010. Archived from the original on 18 February 2013. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  234. ^ "DECISION ON PARTIAL APPEAL BY MR. EL SAYED OF PRE-TRIAL JUDGE'S DECISION OF 12 MAY 2011". STL. 19 July 2011. Retrieved 30 March 2017.
  235. ^ "Sayyed: Hariri's Team was Behind False Witnesses". Almanar.com.lb. 12 September 2010. Archived from the original on 16 September 2010. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  236. ^ "Lebanon summons general on comments". English.aljazeera.net. 16 September 2010. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  237. ^ "Lebanon summons general on comments – Middle East". Al Jazeera English. 16 September 2010. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  238. ^ "Lebanon general decries judiciary – Middle East". Al Jazeera English. 19 September 2010. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  239. ^ Al-ManarTV:: Sayyed Asks STL President to Disqualify Judge Ralph Riachy 20/10/2010[dead link]
  240. ^ "President Cassese rejects Mr Jamil El Sayed's motions to disqualify Judges Riachy and Chamseddine". STL. 5 November 2011. Retrieved 30 March 2017.
  241. ^ "Hearing Transcript, 14 January 2011, In the Matter of El Sayed". STL. 14 January 2011. Retrieved 30 March 2017.
  242. ^ "Pre-Trial Judge orders the release of documents to Mr El Sayed". STL. 12 May 2011. Retrieved 30 March 2017.
  243. ^ Ronen Bergman (10 February 2015). "The Hezbollah Connection". The New York Times.
  244. ^ "Breakthrough in Tribunal Investigation: New Evidence Points to Hezbollah in Hariri Murder". Der Spiegel. 23 May 2009. Retrieved 31 March 2017.
  245. ^ a b Lamis Andoni (4 August 2010). "Border skirmish a 'fire douser' – Focus". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  246. ^ "Hariri hit suspect is Hizbullah bigwig". The Jerusalem Post. 30 July 2010. Retrieved 3 August 2010.
  247. ^ "Bellemare: No Verdict in September, Indictment Not Drafted Yet". Almanar.com.lb. 1 September 2010. Archived from the original on 18 February 2013. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  248. ^ "Tribunal Defense: Indictment is Just the Beginning, Not Final Verdict". Almanar.com.lb. 3 September 2010. Retrieved 8 October 2010.[dead link]
  249. ^ "STL Reality in The Hague Contradicts Beirut Wishes to Eliminate Tribunal". Naharnet. Archived from the original on 11 April 2013. Retrieved 12 December 2011.
  250. ^ Al-ManarTV:: STL to Postpone Indictment till March: Al Akhbar 23 October 2010[dead link]
  251. ^ "STL Prosecutor submits an indictment to the Pre-Trial Judge". STL. 17 January 2011. Retrieved 31 March 2017.
  252. ^ "Confirmed indictment submitted to the Lebanese authorities". STL. 30 June 2011. Retrieved 31 March 2017.
  253. ^ Sfeir Says International Tribunal Fair and Righteous
  254. ^ "Alain Aoun calls for unity amid domestic political tension". NOW Lebanon. 26 July 2010. Retrieved 3 August 2010.
  255. ^ "The Daily Star". 28 July 2010. Retrieved 3 August 2010.
  256. ^ a b "Assad 'to attend' summit in Lebanon". Al Jazeera. 29 July 2010. Retrieved 3 August 2010.
  257. ^ "Hariri's Murder Designed to Implicate Syria, Explode Lebanon". Al Manar. 23 August 2010. Archived from the original on 19 February 2013. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  258. ^ a b "Hariri case 'could cause civil war'". Al Jazeera. 24 September 2010. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  259. ^ "Lebanon: UN envoy welcomes visit by leaders of Saudi Arabia and Syria". United Nations. 30 July 2010. Retrieved 3 August 2010.
  260. ^ "Beirut talks call for Lebanon unity". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 3 August 2010.
  261. ^ Yazbeck, Natacha (23 July 2010). "AFP: Lebanon on edge after Hezbollah revelation". Retrieved 3 August 2010.
  262. ^ Hussein Assi (30 July 2010). "Abdullah, Assad in Beirut in Unprecedented, Historic Visit". Almanar. Archived from the original on 3 December 2012. Retrieved 3 August 2010.
  263. ^ "60% of Lebanese Say STL Politicized, Unfair". Al Manar. 23 August 2010. Archived from the original on 9 September 2010. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  264. ^ Al-ManarTV: Aoun: STL Undermining Stability Rather Than Maintaining Justice 26/10/2010[dead link]
  265. ^ Al-ManarTV: Al-Akhbar: Jumblatt Told Assad His Position Determined, He Fears STL 25 October 2010[dead link]
  266. ^ "Muallem: Situation in Lebanon Worrisome, Coordination with KSA Ongoing". Al-ManarTV. Archived from the original on 14 October 2010. Retrieved 9 February 2013.
  267. ^ "Hezbollah MP calls for abolishing Hariri's tribunal". Xinhuanet. Archived from the original on 6 November 2012. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  268. ^ "Hariri Returns to Beirut, Will Address the Lebanon within Two Days". Almanar. 20 September 2010. Archived from the original on 3 December 2012. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  269. ^ "Ban Wants Lebanese Politicians to Stop Interfering in STL". Almanar. 14 September 2010. Archived from the original on 18 February 2013. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  270. ^ "Ban: Hariri probe to press ahead – Middle East". Al Jazeera English. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  271. ^ "Hariri vows to solve Lebanon crisis". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 12 December 2011.
  272. ^ "Lebanon tense as Saudi quits talks". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 12 December 2011.
  273. ^ Hussein Assi (30 July 2010). "Israel Doesn't Surrender: Hezbollah behind Hariri's Murder!". Almanar. Archived from the original on 3 December 2012. Retrieved 3 August 2010.
  274. ^ a b "Nasrallah: Israel Used Secret Agent to Turn Lebanon Gov't Against Hezbollah". Ha’aretz. 9 August 2010. Retrieved 3 April 2017.
  275. ^ a b c "Lebanon PM: UN Must Probe Claims of Israeli Complicity in Hariri Murder". Ha’aretz. 12 August 2010. Retrieved 3 April 2017.
  276. ^ a b "The Office of the Prosecutor of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon seeks Information held by Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah". STL. 11 August 2010. Retrieved 3 April 2017.
  277. ^ a b "Bellemare is carefully examining Hezbollah evidence". YaLibnan. 19 August 2010. Retrieved 3 April 2017.
  278. ^ "Lebanon's intelligence war". Al Jazeera. 2 December 2011. Retrieved 3 April 2017.
  279. ^ "STL Bulletin – January 2017". STL. January 2017. Retrieved 3 April 2017.
  280. ^ a b c "Men Disguised as Women Likely Involved in Attack on UN Investigators in Dahiyeh". Naharnet. 14 February 2005. Archived from the original on 16 August 2011. Retrieved 12 December 2011.
  281. ^ a b "Men disguised as women attacked STL investigators, report". Ya Libnan. 28 October 2010. Retrieved 20 February 2017.
  282. ^ a b "Crowd attacks UN's Hariri's case investigators in Beirut". Al Arabiya. 27 October 2010. Retrieved 20 February 2017.
  283. ^ a b "STL denounces use of violence against its investigators". NOW. 27 October 2010. Retrieved 20 February 2017.
  284. ^ "Dahiyeh doctor: I don't know how the clash erupted". NOW Lebanon. 27 October 2010. Retrieved 12 December 2011.
  285. ^ "STL Describes Dahiyeh Incident as 'Deplorable Attempt to Obstruct Justice'". Naharnet. Archived from the original on 11 April 2013. Retrieved 12 December 2011.
  286. ^ "Mustaqbal Sources: Dahiyeh Incident Coordinated". Naharnet. Archived from the original on 11 April 2013. Retrieved 12 December 2011.
  287. ^ "Women in Dahiyeh Gynecology Clinic Clash with STL Investigators". Naharnet. 14 February 2005. Archived from the original on 11 April 2013. Retrieved 12 December 2011.
  288. ^ "Girl power". NOW Lebanon. 28 October 2010. Retrieved 12 December 2011.
  289. ^ "Women in Dahiyeh clinic clash with STL investigators". NOW Lebanon. 27 October 2010. Retrieved 12 December 2011.
  290. ^ "Hizbullah: We Are Not Involved in Attack on STL Investigators". Naharnet. Archived from the original on 6 January 2014. Retrieved 12 December 2011.
  291. ^ "New York Times: Nasrallah's Speech is Additional Pressure on the Weak Government". Naharnet. Archived from the original on 11 April 2013. Retrieved 12 December 2011.
  292. ^ "Secretary-General, Condemning Intimidation of Lebanon Tribunal Investigators, Calls on All Parties to Refrain from Interfering in Its Work". United Nations. 29 October 2010. Retrieved 20 February 2017.
  293. ^ "Rafik Hariri tribunal: Guilty verdict over assassination of Lebanon ex-PM". BBC. 18 August 2020.
  294. ^ "Lebanon tribunal convicts Hezbollah member in 2005 Hariri murder but exonerates group's leadership". France 24. 18 August 2020.
  295. ^ "Hezbollah militant sentenced to life in Lebanon's Hariri assassination case". France 24. 11 December 2020.
  296. ^ "Rafic Hariri's killers to be sentenced as end looms for Lebanon court". Arab News. 16 June 2022.

External links

Analysis
International criminal law
Authority control databases
Categories