BEIRUT: Sparks flew over cellular network evidence at the Special Tribunal for Lebanon Tuesday as proceedings resumed following a weeklong suspension. Throughout the day’s curtailed hearing, prosecution counselor Fabia Wong organized and presented cellular evidence collected by the prosecution and witnesses from prior hearings.
“What the prosecution alleges was that the ‘green network’ [of cellular phones] was a coordination network to exchange information of all the conspiracy and coordinates acts done to further the conspiracy,” Wong said.
Cellular data has been critical to the prosecution’s case. Several groups of cellular networks – codified by color – have been used to expose various elements of the alleged conspiracy that led to the 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. Nineteen people were killed and another 200 wounded in the attack.
In past sessions, the prosecution contended that one covert network of “blue” phones was used for mission setup, while another “green network” was used by those in command of the operations.
The center of activity of these networks pointed to Haret Hreik, a southern suburb of Beirut known to be a Hezbollah stronghold. The suspects being tried in absentia at the tribunal are allegedly members of the group.
The delineation of each network’s purpose has remained sensitive as it implicates certain people for specific charges.
Wong’s statement stirred an immediate response from the defense counselor, Mohamed Aouini. The Tunisian lawyer represents the interests of Hassan Habib Merhi – an alleged accomplice, charged with “committing a terrorist act by means of an explosive device.”
“This is the first time I’ve heard from the prosecution that green played a role in the surveillance [of Hariri],”Aouini responded.
Wong repeated and clarified her statements, which was met with continuous outcry from the defense. Aouini denied the validity of the trial counsel’s declaration, accusing the prosecution of changing its language and presenting false facts.
“I presume that the prosecution is alleging that there were calls between ‘green 071’ and other [phones], while they were surveying Hariri. How in these cases can we see a coordination of surveillance?”Aouini disputed. “There is no indication that it is consistent with what we have provided [in the past].”
After several minutes, Wong clarified her initial statement in a way that satisfied Aouini’s objection.
“What I can reiterate, which is in our indictment, is that the green network was a coordination network used to exchange information on all aspects in the conspiracy and coordinate acts done in the conspiracy. ... They did not coordinate surveillance, this is a statement that is too specific to make,” Wong concluded.
This week’s hearings will continue until Thursday.
“What the prosecution alleges was that the ‘green network’ [of cellular phones] was a coordination network to exchange information of all the conspiracy and coordinates acts done to further the conspiracy,” Wong said.
Cellular data has been critical to the prosecution’s case. Several groups of cellular networks – codified by color – have been used to expose various elements of the alleged conspiracy that led to the 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. Nineteen people were killed and another 200 wounded in the attack.
In past sessions, the prosecution contended that one covert network of “blue” phones was used for mission setup, while another “green network” was used by those in command of the operations.
The center of activity of these networks pointed to Haret Hreik, a southern suburb of Beirut known to be a Hezbollah stronghold. The suspects being tried in absentia at the tribunal are allegedly members of the group.
The delineation of each network’s purpose has remained sensitive as it implicates certain people for specific charges.
Wong’s statement stirred an immediate response from the defense counselor, Mohamed Aouini. The Tunisian lawyer represents the interests of Hassan Habib Merhi – an alleged accomplice, charged with “committing a terrorist act by means of an explosive device.”
“This is the first time I’ve heard from the prosecution that green played a role in the surveillance [of Hariri],”Aouini responded.
Wong repeated and clarified her statements, which was met with continuous outcry from the defense. Aouini denied the validity of the trial counsel’s declaration, accusing the prosecution of changing its language and presenting false facts.
“I presume that the prosecution is alleging that there were calls between ‘green 071’ and other [phones], while they were surveying Hariri. How in these cases can we see a coordination of surveillance?”Aouini disputed. “There is no indication that it is consistent with what we have provided [in the past].”
After several minutes, Wong clarified her initial statement in a way that satisfied Aouini’s objection.
“What I can reiterate, which is in our indictment, is that the green network was a coordination network used to exchange information on all aspects in the conspiracy and coordinate acts done in the conspiracy. ... They did not coordinate surveillance, this is a statement that is too specific to make,” Wong concluded.
This week’s hearings will continue until Thursday.
Source & Link : The Daily Star
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