Now Lebanon - STL assigns defense lawyers for the accused, October 26, 2011

The Special Tribunal for Lebanon Defense Office assigned a primary duty counsel and co-counsel to each of the suspects accused of killing former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, according to a statement issued by the tribunal on Wednesday.
“The purpose of these assignments is to ensure that the rights and interests of the accused are individually protected while the Trial Chamber considers whether to initiate in absentia proceedings,” the statement added.
“The assignment of duty counsel is a temporary assignment. The eight duty counsel have been selected based on their relevant experience, skills and competences, including experience in Lebanon, terrorism cases, or international tribunals as well as their language abilities.”
The statement added that Defense Office “will be requested to assign defense counsel for the remainder of the proceedings” if absentia proceedings are launched; whereas if they are not the “duty counsel may be withdrawn.”
“The duty counsel shall also be withdrawn if the accused decide to participate in the proceedings, for example by designating their own counsel.”

Four Hezbollah members have been indicted by the STL for the 2005 assassination of former PM Rafik Hariri. However, the Shia group strongly denies the charges and refuses to cooperate with the court.