Start of trial in the Ayyash case (STL-18-10) on 16 June cancelled due to lack of funds

Leidschendam, 3 June 2021 - The Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) Trial Chamber II issued an order cancelling the commencement of trial in the Ayyash case on 16 June 2021. It also suspended all decisions on filings presently before it, and on any future filings, until further notice.
Trial Chamber II's order was in response to the Registrar's filing on 1 June 2021, which notified the Chamber of the severe financial situation currently faced by the STL. The imminent exhaustion of funds will impact the Tribunal's ability to finance the continuation of judicial proceedings and completion of its mandate unless further contributions are forthcoming this month.
Trial Chamber II was formally seized of the Ayyash case on 21 May 2021, following the completion of the transfer of the case file to the Trial Chamber by the Pre-Trial Judge; which concluded the Pre-Trial phase.  
Considering that the Pre-Trial Judge had set 16 June as the tentative date for the start of trial proceedings, Trial Chamber II had scheduled a Pre-Trial Conference on 10 June to hear the parties and the Legal Representatives of Victims including as to the modalities of the conduct of the proceedings. The Trial Chamber II's order also cancelled this hearing on that date.
The STL continues its intensive efforts to raise the funds required to carry on its ongoing judicial proceedings and reiterates its urgent call upon the international community for its continued financial support.
Background:
The Ayyash case relates to three attacks against prominent Lebanese political figures, Mr Marwan Hamade, Mr Georges Hawi and Mr Elias El-Murr, on 1 October 2004, 21 June 2005 and 12 July 2005 respectively. They were found to be connected with the terrorist attack that killed former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and many others on 14 February 2005.
The Accused, Mr Salim Jamil Ayyash, is charged with five counts, including acts of terrorism.
Victims of the three attacks participate in the proceedings through their Legal Representatives, one designated for each attack.