STL Victims Participation Unit Holds Training Seminar for Counsel

The Victims’ Participation Unit of the Registry of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon has held a two and a half day training seminar for counsel who may represent victims participating in proceedings before the Tribunal, the STL said Thursday in a statement.

“The seminar was attended by 30 people, including 11 Lebanese counsel and 11 international counsel who are on the Tribunal's List of Victims' Counsel or who represent applicants for victims’ participation,” the court noted.

Counsel representing victims before the International Criminal Court and their assisting staff also took part in the training.

The seminar was organized “in cooperation with the International Criminal Court, in particular its Office of Public Counsel for Victims, which has particular expertise in the field of victims' legal representation,” the court added.

During presentations, discussions and practical exercises, Lebanese and international counsel had an opportunity to share their knowledge and expertise and to meet representatives of the Tribunal, the STL said.

Pre-Trial Judge Daniel Fransen will consider applications from victims for participation before the Tribunal “in the coming months,” the U.N.-backed court announced.

“When he has made a decision, the victims who are accepted to participate may be represented by counsel in proceedings before the Tribunal,” it noted.