Roux: Bellemare, Fransen, Defense Team to Meet Soon to Asses Proceedings

The head of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon Defense Office Francois Roux revealed that Prosecutor Judge Daniel Bellemare, Pre-Trial Judge Daniel Fransen, and the Defense team will convene soon to assess proceedings of the tribunal.

He told the daily An Nahar in remarks published on Saturday that in absentia trials are much more difficult for the Defense, explaining that it requires time to evaluate the Prosecution’s file.

He added that the upcoming weeks or months will witness intensified activity ahead of the actual court proceedings.

In case of in absentia trials, the failure of a lawyer to meet with his client proves to be a major challenge in the proceedings, Roux said.

The Defense Office therefore plays an important role in assisting the Defense team in its duties, he continued.

Since the release of the STL indictment, several Lebanese lawyers have decided to sign up for the Defense, he revealed.

He added that he is certain that several experience Lebanese lawyers will be part of the Defense team.