Disputes Emerge between Lebanese, Foreign Defense Counsels over Trying Hariri Suspects
Naharnet Exclusive Report – Leidschendam:
Deep disputes have emerged in the past week between the counsels of the four accused in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
The disputes, which emerged during their stay at the Special Tribunal for Lebanon Defense offices, took place between Lebanese counsels Antoine Korkmaz and Emile Aoun, who are supported by lawyer Salim Jreissati, and six foreign counsels.
Informed circles revealed that the disputes that erupted during the three-day discussions focused on the approach the counsels should adopt in dealing with the STL.
The foreign counsels voiced “great reservations” over Jreissati’s assertions that the tribunal is illegitimate and that it violates the Lebanese constitution.
They explained that such a stand is politically motivated and does not adhere to internationally recognized laws.
They told their Lebanese counterparts that discussing the illegitimacy of the tribunal before the court means that they have practically admitted that they do not legally represent the four accused.
The foreign counsels stressed the need to steer their work away from Lebanese political debates over the tribunal and instead focus on presenting formal objections that do not target the essence of the court.
These objections could address the possibility that the STL is not specialized in tackling the case or they could question the legality of the procedures it adopted during the investigations, they added.
Jreissati, however, maintained his position, suggesting that the Lebanese counsel each take turns in presenting what they see fit in this regard, while the foreign ones could do the same.
The meetings ended without a final decision being taken.
The lack of decision will not affect Friday’s trial seeing as the four primary counsel and four co-counsel do not have a role in the current pre-trial phase that precedes the possible launch of the in absentia proceedings.
The Defense Office will be representing the Defense during Friday’s hearing seeing as it determines whether the circumstances are appropriate to launch in absentia trials.
Naharnet has found out that the head of the Defense Office Francois Roux had suggested to the eight counsels that they attend the hearing as auditors at the court, but they instead opted to monitor the proceedings elsewhere.
The eight counsels have been appointed to the position through an order of the STL Defense Office.
Source: Naharnet
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