STL President Pledges to Lebanese Officials Fair Trial that Respects Rights of Accused

President of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon Sir David Baragwanath concluded on Thursday a four-day visit to Lebanon during which he met with a number of officials, during which he thanked them for the “generous” support Lebanon has shown to the tribunal, he announced in a statement.

He said: “We will ensure a trial that is fair, expeditious and conducted with full respect for the rights of the accused and due regard for the protection of victims and witnesses.”

He held talks with a number of Lebanese officials including President Michel Suleiman, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Miqati, Prime Minister-designate Tammam Salam, Minister of Justice Shakib Qortbawi, Chief Justice Judge Jean Fahed, General Prosecutor Judge Hatem Madi, as well as young judges and leaders of the Beirut Bar Association, including present and former Bâtonniers.

“I thanked all parties for the generous support Lebanon and they themselves have accorded the STL and received assurances that the tribunal will continue to receive their support,” continued the STL president.

“I reiterated that the need to postpone the tentative March 25 trial start date was to ensure that the judicial proceedings are fair. This requires that all parties have sufficient time to prepare for trial,” he explained.

“I also discussed the recent anonymous publication of information which purportedly relate to alleged witnesses. The tribunal has condemned such interferences in the proper administration of judicial proceedings. I informed Lebanese officials of our actions in this respect and in turn I received their reassurance of Lebanon’s cooperation with the STL’s response,” Baragwanath said.

“This concerted campaign by a few to undermine the work of the tribunal makes us more determined to fulfill our mandate,” he stressed.

“We are further determined, in the interests of Lebanon as a whole, to bring to justice those who currently seek to hide behind a cover of anonymity. We are encouraged by the continued and heartening message that the Lebanese community joins us in rejecting this affront to due process,” he said.