Special Tribunal for Lebanon Pre-Trial Judge Daniel Fransen confirmed an indictment related to the 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and others on 28 June 2011, a statement posted on the STL’s official website said.
The indictment and accompanying arrest warrants were transmitted to the Lebanese authorities on Thursday, the statement said, adding the STL’s announcement follows a declaration by the Lebanese authorities that they have received a confirmed indictment.
“The confirmation of the indictment means that Judge Fransen is satisfied that there is prima facie evidence for this case to proceed to trial. This is not a verdict of guilt and any accused person is presumed innocent unless his or her guilt is established at trial.”
The statement also said that at this time, the STL has no comment on the identity or identities of the person or persons named in the indictment.
“The confirmation of the indictment means that Judge Fransen is satisfied that there is prima facie evidence for this case to proceed to trial. This is not a verdict of guilt and any accused person is presumed innocent unless his or her guilt is established at trial.”
The statement also said that at this time, the STL has no comment on the identity or identities of the person or persons named in the indictment.
“Indeed, Judge Fransen has ruled that the indictment shall remain confidential in order to assist the Lebanese authorities in fulfilling their obligations to arrest the accused.”
“The UN Security Council Resolution 1757 and the provisions of its annexes are clear on the steps that must be taken by the Lebanese authorities. These include the service of the indictment on the accused person or persons, their arrest and detention, as well as their transfer to the STL.”
According to the statement, under the STL’s Rules of Procedure and Evidence, the Lebanese authorities have to report to the STL on the measures that they have taken to arrest the accused, within 30 days of the submission of the indictment.
STL Prosecutor Daniel Bellemare submitted an indictment, for review by Fransen, on 17th January 2011 and subsequently amended it three times – on 11th March, 6th May and 10th June 2011, the latter at the request of Fransen.
“The UN Security Council Resolution 1757 and the provisions of its annexes are clear on the steps that must be taken by the Lebanese authorities. These include the service of the indictment on the accused person or persons, their arrest and detention, as well as their transfer to the STL.”
According to the statement, under the STL’s Rules of Procedure and Evidence, the Lebanese authorities have to report to the STL on the measures that they have taken to arrest the accused, within 30 days of the submission of the indictment.
STL Prosecutor Daniel Bellemare submitted an indictment, for review by Fransen, on 17th January 2011 and subsequently amended it three times – on 11th March, 6th May and 10th June 2011, the latter at the request of Fransen.
-NOW Lebanon
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