The judges of the Special Tribunal
for Lebanon have approved some amendments to the tribunal's Rules of Procedure
and Evidence, said the STL in a statement on Monday.
There were a limited number of
changes, which clarified the existing rules especially in relation to victims,
it added.
The changes allow the Prosecution,
Defense and the Victims’ Participation Unit to make submissions on requests
from victims wishing to participate in the proceedings, it stated.
Submissions are limited to legal
issues to protect the confidentiality of victims’ applications.
In addition, the pre-trial judge has
been given the authority in deciding on the grouping of victims wishing to
participate in the proceedings.
“This decision cannot be appealed,”
said the statement.
Another change makes it easier for
victims who participate in the proceedings to also appear as witnesses before
the tribunal.
“The Judges also decided that the
Prosecution must immediately inform the head of the Defense Office Francois
Roux about the arrest of a suspect or an accused,” said the statement.
This will strengthen the rights of
the Defense, it explained.
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