STL Judges: trial continues pending further information on the death of Mustafa Badreddine

Leidschendam, 1 June 2016 - In an oral decision issued today, the STL Trial Chamber decided that trial in the Ayyash et al. case will continue pending the receipt of further information from the government of Lebanon regarding the death of the Accused Mustafa Amine Badreddine. The Judges do not believe that sufficient evidence has yet been presented to convince them that the death of Mr Badreddine has been proved.
The Trial Chamber noted that the Prosecution has outstanding requests for assistance sent to the government of Lebanon seeking further information relating to what happened to Mr Badreddine and is awaiting responses.
The three Judges who constitute the Trial Chamber have made this decision by majority, with one dissenting opinion.
The Trial Chamber will also review any additional material and re-evaluate the material already submitted in due course. A fully-reasoned written decision will follow as soon as practicable.

STL hosts French Minister of Justice

Leidschendam, 7 December 2015 - The French Minister of Justice Christiane Taubira paid a courtesy visit to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon today, as part of her one-day visit to the Netherlands that included discussions with Dutch officials.

She was accompanied by the French Ambassador to the Netherlands, Laurent Pic, and a delegation from the Ministry of Justice.
STL President Judge Ivana Hrdličková, Prosecutor Norman Farrell, the Head of the Defence Office François Roux, and Deputy Registrar Amelie Zinzius, welcomed the Minister and her delegation.
During her visit, the Minister focused on the applicable law at the STL, the use of French as an official Tribunal language, and the benefits of the STL for the Lebanese people.
On behalf of the STL, Judge Hrdličková expressed her "deep gratitude to Minister of Justice Taubira for France's continued support". The President further highlighted "the benefits to the international community of the STL's experience, incorporating the best practices of diverse legal traditions to ensure the highest standards of criminal justice".
The Minister and the delegation toured the courtroom and were greeted by the STL staff members at the end of the visit.

Sentencing judgment in the case against Ms Karma Al Khayat

Leidschendam, 28 September 2015 – The Contempt Judge at the Special Tribunal for Lebanon today issued his sentencing judgment in the case against Ms Karma Mohamed Tahsin Al Khayat (STL-14-05).
Judge Nicola Lettieri sentenced Ms Khayat to a fine of ten thousand (10,000) Euros, to be paid in full by 30 October 2015.
The Judge stated that written reasons for his decision were to follow in due course.
In his judgment of 18 September 2015, Judge Lettieri found Ms Al Khayat guilty of knowingly and wilfully interfering with the administration of justice by failing to remove from Al Jadeed TV's website information on purported confidential witnesses in the Ayyash et al. case, thereby violating the Order issued by the Pre-Trial Judge in the Ayyash et al. case on 10 August 2012.
The trial in STL-14-05 opened before the Contempt Judge on 16 April 2015 with opening statements by the Amicus Prosecutor and the Defence. The Amicus presented his case on 16, 17 April 2015 and 20 to 22 April 2015. The Defence presented its case from 12 to 14 May 2015. Both parties then presented their closing arguments on 18 and 19 June 2015.

Judgment in the case against Al Jadeed S.A.L and Ms Karma Al Khayat

Leidschendam, 18 September 2015 – Today, the Contempt Judge at the Special Tribunal for Lebanon issued a Judgment in the contempt case against Al Jadeed [CO.] S.A.L./NEW T.V. S.A.L. (N.T.V.) and Ms Karma Mohamed Tahsin Al Khayat (STL-14-05).

Judge Nicola Lettieri found both Accused not guilty with respect to the charges under count 1 of the order in lieu of indictment. The Judge found Ms Al Khayat guilty and Al Jadeed [CO.] S.A.L./NEW T.V. S.A.L. (N.T.V.) not guilty with respect to the charges under count 2.

The Contempt Judge has scheduled a sentencing hearing for 28 September 2015.

Background: The trial in STL-14-05 opened before the Contempt Judge on 16 April 2015 with opening statements by the Amicus Prosecutor and the Defence. The Amicus presented his case on 16, 17 April 2015 and 20 to 22 April 2015. The Defence presented its case from 12 to 14 May 2015. Both parties then presented their closing arguments on 18 and 19 June 2015.

OFFICE OF GLOBAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE AMBASSADOR-AT-LARGE-STEPHEN RAPP

DEPARTMENT OF STATE
PUBLIC SCHEDULE
JUNE 17, 2015

OFFICE OF GLOBAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE AMBASSADOR-AT-LARGE-STEPHEN RAPP

Ambassador Rapp is on travel to The Hague, Netherlands to participate in meetings with officials of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon and the International Criminal Court on international justice issues.

STL Registrar meets government officials and diplomats during visit to Lebanon

Leidschendam, 11 June 2015 – The Registrar of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Daryl Mundis, has concluded an official visit to Beirut. Mr Mundis met the Lebanese Prime Minister, Tammam Salam, the Minister of Justice, Ashraf Rifi and the Prosecutor-General, Samir Hammoud, as well as representatives of the diplomatic community. The Registrar also met STL staff in Beirut to thank them for their continued efforts.
 
"These regular visits to Beirut are important to ensure smooth cooperation with the government and our other partners," said Mr Mundis. "They allow me to oversee firsthand the work of the STL in Lebanon and to thank personally Lebanese officials for their continued support of the Tribunal."
 
The STL Registrar is responsible for all aspects of the Tribunal's administration including the budget, fundraising, court management and relations with states. The Registrar's responsibilities also include the oversight of the Victims' Participation Unit, witness protection and detention facilities.

UK Ambassador to Lebanon said that British authorities will contribute 1 million pounds (almost $1.5 million) to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.

 28.03.2015 - UK authorities will contribute 1 million pounds (almost $1.5 million) to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, UK Ambassador to Lebanon Tom Fletcher said Saturday.
"This additional UK funding will allow the Special Tribunal for Lebanon to continue its important work to end impunity for political violence in Lebanon," Fletcher was quoted as saying by Lebanon's The Daily Star.
According to the newspaper, the ambassador announced the contribution during a phone conversation with Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam.
Fletcher said he had discussed with Salam the importance of the rule of law for Lebanon's stability in the long term.
The Special Tribunal for Lebanon is a tribunal mandated to hold trials for those accused of being behind the attack in February 2005 that killed 22 people, including Lebanon's former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri.
The tribunal was inaugurated on March 1, 2009 and is headquartered in the Hague, with an office in Beirut as well.
Voluntary contributions constitute 51 percent of the tribunal's budget, with 49 percent coming from the Lebanese government.