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.

Severe financial crisis threatens the STL’s ability to fulfil its mandate

Leidschendam, 2 June 2021 – The Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) regrets to announce that it is facing an unprecedented financial crisis. Without immediate funding, the Tribunal will not be able to operate beyond July 2021, which will impact its ability to fulfill its current mandate and conclude the judicial proceedings in the two cases currently before the Tribunal, the Ayyash et al. case (STL-11-01) and the Ayyash case (STL-18-10).

In filings submitted to the STL Judges, Registrar David Tolbert provided notice on the Tribunal's financial situation so that the STL President, Pre Trial Judge, Appeals Chamber and Trial Chamber II may take any steps they deem necessary in relation to the conduct of matters of which they are seized. In order to meet his obligations to administer and service the STL, he stated that he has no choice but to activate a process of separation of staff in all four organs of the Tribunal in accordance with the Staff Regulations and Rules, and to initiate draw down activities related to the protection of witnesses and securing the Tribunal's records, evidence and sensitive material.

The STL Principals also formally notified the United Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Gutteres of the financial situation, which will result in the Tribunal's inability to complete its work if no contributions are forthcoming prior to the end of July.

The STL heavily relies on voluntary contributions from donor countries for 51 % of its budget, while Lebanon is responsible for 49%. Given the challenging circumstances generated by the global COVID-19 pandemic and the concerning situation in Lebanon, the STL had already drastically reduced its budget by approximatively 37% for 2021 in comparison to previous years.   

In March 2021, the UN granted a subvention of 15.5 million USD covering 75% of the Lebanese contribution towards the STL's budget to support the continuation of the STL's 

UN Secretary General extends mandate of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon

Leidschendam, 25 February 2021- The United Nations Secretary General (UNSG) extended the Special Tribunal for Lebanon's (STL) mandate from 1 March 2021 for a further period of two years, or until the completion of the cases before the STL, if sooner, or until the exhaustion of available funds, if sooner. The extension is in accordance with Security Council resolution 1757 (2007).

In his statement, the UN SG reaffirmed the commitment of the United Nations to support the STL in the fight against impunity for the crimes under its jurisdiction, in order to bring those responsible to justice.

"I am grateful for the international community's continued support towards the STL's work, which serves as a strong global message that terrorist crimes will not go unpunished. Together with my colleagues at the Tribunal, I remain highly committed to fulfilling the STL's mandate in a timely manner and render justice to the victims through fair and transparent proceedings'' said STL President Judge Ivana Hrdličková.

President Hrdličková had requested the two-year extension to allow the Tribunal to progressively draw down its activities and complete the judicial work before the different Chambers.  

STL Media Advisory - Pronouncement of the Judgment in the Ayyash et al. case on 7 August 2020

Leidschendam, 10 July 2020 – The Trial Chamber of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) issued a scheduling order today for the public pronouncement of the Judgment in the Ayyash et al. case (STL-11-01) in a public session on Friday 7 August 2020 at 11.00 AM (C.E.T).

In the filing issued today, the Judges stated that the Judgment will be delivered from the courtroom with partial virtual participation.

Accreditation is required for members of the media who wish to cover the Judgment hearing. The accreditation procedure will be communicated in due course.

Due to the COVID-19 and in line with the national guidelines in the Netherlands, a limited number of members of the media will be allowed into the public gallery and the STL's media centre.

STL Registrar appoints Legal Representatives of Victims in the Ayyash Case STL-18-10

Leidschendam, 16 June 2020 - The Registrar of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) Daryl Mundis has designated three counsel to represent the victims participating in the Ayyash case relating to three attacks against Mr Marwan Hamade on 1 October 2004, Mr Georges Hawi on 21 June 2005 and Mr Elias El-Murr, on 12 July 2005.

The STL Pre-Trial Judge Daniel Fransen decided on 17 April 2020 to grant the status of Victim Participating in the Proceedings to 29 individuals. The Judge also decided to divide the participating victims into three groups, each related to one of the attacks in the Ayyash case, and ordered the Registrar to designate a legal representative for each group.

The Registrar has designated the following counsel as legal representatives:

Mr Nidal Jurdi, a Lebanese national admitted to the Tripoli Bar as Legal Representative for the participating victims in Group 1, pertaining to the attack against Mr Marwan Hamade;

Mr Antonios Abou Kasm, a Lebanese national admitted to the Beirut Bar as Legal Representative for the participating victims in Group 2, pertaining to the attack against Mr Georges Hawi;

Mr Adel Nassar, a Lebanese national admitted to the Beirut Bar as Lead Representative for the participating victims in Group 3, pertaining to the attack against Mr Elias El-Murr;

The three counsel have been selected on the basis of their relevant experience, skills and competence, including experience and expertise in relation to the rights of victims, international criminal law, and the Lebanese context. You can learn more about their background on the STL website.

These appointments were made by the Registrar in consultation with the Victims' Participation Unit (VPU). The Legal Representatives of Victims (LRVs) are chosen from the VPU's List of Counsel, upon a careful selection process that also takes into consideration the views and preferences of the participating victims.

The main role of the LRVs is to represent Victims Participating in the Proceedings before the Tribunal, presenting their views and concerns during the judicial process.

Victims of any of the three attacks in the Ayyash case, who have not yet applied to participate in the proceedings within the deadline set by the Pre-Trial Judge but intend to do so, should contact the VPU:

Telephone          +961 (0)45 38 150

WhatsApp           +31652028194

Email                    stl-victims@un.org

Judgment in the Ayyash et al. case

Given the prevailing circumstances regarding COVID-19, the STL Trial Chamber will specify the date of the public pronouncement of the Judgment in the Ayyash et al. case (STL-11-01) as soon as possible.

On 22 April, the Legal Representatives of Victims (LRV) sought clarification from the Trial Chamber regarding the date and manner of the public pronouncement of the Judgment.

On 5 March, the Trial Chamber had given notice that it will deliver its Judgment in the Ayyash et al. case in public session in mid-May 2020.

The Trial Chamber gives notice of scheduling the public pronouncement of the Judgment in the Ayyash et al. case

Leidschendam, 5 March 2020 –  The Trial Chamber of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) has given notice that it will deliver its Judgment in the Ayyash et al. case (STL-11-01) in public session in mid-May 2020.  

In the filing issued today, the Judges stated that they would specify the precise date of the public pronouncement of the Judgment as soon as possible.

Accreditation is required for members of the media who wish to cover the hearing at the seat of the Tribunal. Seating in the public gallery is not guaranteed; for this high-level event, permanently accredited journalists will also need to submit a request. 

The accreditation procedure for the Judgment hearing will be communicated in due course.