A "public hearing will take place on February 7, 2011" to discuss STL Pre-Trial Judge Daniel Fransen's questions to the Appeals Chamber about certain criminal definitions in the indictment, said a scheduling order of the court.
Fransen is tasked with confirming the charges in the indictment filed under seal by STL Prosecutor Daniel Bellemare on Monday, and is allowed to ask the appeals judges questions of a legal nature in the process of doing so.
The pre-trial judge will discuss with the chamber "preliminary (legal) questions he deems necessary in order to examine and rule on the indictment," said the scheduling order issued by STL President Antonio Cassese.
Among other things, Fransen has asked the appeals judges whether international law must be taken into account when defining the crime of terrorism, and whether a person can be tried for premeditated murder for the deaths of bystanders.
"These issues are complex and deserve careful consideration," said Friday's order scheduling a hearing.
"It is imperative, in the interest of justice, that they be treated by the Appeals Chamber as expeditiously as possible so that the pre-trial judge may be in a position to confirm or dismiss counts from the indictment without delay."
The hearing, from 0800 GMT to 1600 GMT on February 7, will include submissions by the prosecutor and the tribunal's Defense Office, created to protect the rights of defendants.(Naharnet-AFP)
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