March 13, 2010 - Naharnet - Special Tribunal for Lebanon Appoints New Chief of Investigations

The Office of the Prosecutor of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon on Friday announced the appointment of Michael Taylor, a British national, as its Chief of Investigations. "Taylor has extensive experience in criminal investigations, starting in February 1979 with the London Metropolitan Police Service, where he served primarily within the Criminal Investigation Department and Specialist Operations," a press release issued by the Office of the Prosecutor said. "Taylor brings a wealth of expertise in counter-terrorism investigations. The highlights of his career in this field include his tenure as Detective Superintendent, Head of Intelligence, Counter-Terrorism Command at New Scotland Yard from March 2004 to August 2006, following which he was promoted to the post of Senior Investigating Officer and Detective Chief Superintendent at the Metropolitan Police's Counter-Terrorism Command," the statement added. Prior to his appointment as the OTP's Chief of Investigations, Taylor took an active part as Senior Investigator in the OTP Investigation Division, designing and developing the Office's investigative strategy that he will now lead under the supervision of the Prosecutor. Commenting on his appointment, Taylor stated: "I am honored that I was selected for this very important position, particularly at a time when our investigative efforts are running full-steam and significant and promising progress has been registered.""I am fully committed to investing everything I can offer to ensure that we succeed in our endeavor of uncovering the truth and helping ensure that justice is done," Taylor added.Prosecutor Daniel Bellemare welcomed the appointment of Taylor and stated: "Taylor's professionalism and expertise are very well established and recognized in the policing and counter-terrorism investigation communities.""Not only is Taylor the right person for the job, but his appointment ensures a seamless transition in the leadership of the investigation team and, more importantly, the continuity in the investigation process he himself helped design and carry out," Bellemare added.