Bellemare’s Office Reticent on Whether He Will Attend Friday’s Hearing
Naharnet Exclusive Report – Leidschendam:
It remains unclear whether Special Tribunal for Lebanon Prosecutor Judge Daniel Bellemare’s health will permit him to attend Friday’s STL hearing aimed at discussing whether circumstances are suitable to try in absentia the four suspects in the assassination of former Premier Rafik Hariri.
It is not known if he will attend the session himself or appoint one of his assistants to this mission.
Naharnet had inquired about his health in an email to the Office of the Prosecutor.
He was asked whether he had returned to his office in Leidschendam after his media office had confirmed to Naharnet last week that he is abroad and refusing to discuss his health condition.
Media reports said that he had undergone treatment in Canada for advanced stage of diabetes.
The Office of the Prosecutor explained that the STL, according to its policies, does not “discuss the health” or personal information of those who are part of the tribunal.
Given these developments, the representation of the Prosecution during the Friday hearing remains unknown or at least won’t be disclosed before 24 hours until the session is held.
It should be noted that the Office of the Prosecution’s memorandum to hold the hearing was signed by one of Bellemare’s assistants and not himself.
The memorandum presents the prosecutor’s view that the circumstances are not appropriate to hold in absentia trials on the basis that it is not completely clear whether the Lebanese authorities refuse to cooperate with the STL or if they have done all they can in arresting the accused and handing them over to the trial.
If the authorities have failed to cooperate adequately with the STL, the concerned Lebanese officials would be summoned to the tribunal in order to be investigated with.
The Office of the Prosecutor stressed last week that Bellemare’s absence from his office has not prevented him from remaining in constant contact with his assistants and it has not affected his work, which is proceeding as normal.
Source: Naharnet
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