Special Tribunal for Lebanon#Indictment

In March 2006, United Nations Security Council Resolution 1664, the Security Council requested the Secretary-General consult with the Lebanese government on the establishment of an international tribunal to try those responsible for the 14 February 2005 attack.{{citation|url=https://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/RES/1664(2006)|date=29 March 2006|access-date=17 February 2017|title=United Nations Security Council Resolution 1664 (2006)|author=United Nations Security Council}} The Lebanese government and United Nations signed an agreement for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon on 23 January 2007 and 6 February 2007 respectively.{{citation|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/documents/un-documents/un-security-council-resolutions/225-security-council-resolution-1757|date=30 May 2007|access-date=8 November 2016|title=United Nations Security Council Resolution 1757 (2007)|work=Preamble}} However, the Lebanese Prime Minister wrote to the UN Secretary-General in May 2007 stating that the Speaker refused to convene Parliament, and therefore the agreement could not be ratified, despite the support of a majority of parliamentarians.{{citation|url=https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N07/344/41/PDF/N0734441.pdf?OpenElement|date=15 May 2007|access-date=17 February 2017|title=Letter dated 15 May 2007 from the Secretary-General to the President of the Security Council}}

Due to this political impasse, the Security Council implemented the agreement through United Nations Security Council Resolution 1757 on 30 May 2007, under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/RES/1757(2007) |title=Resolution 1757 (2007) |publisher=United Nations Security Council |date=30 May 2007 |access-date=13 January 2016}} According to the resolution, the agreement (attached as an annexe) would enter into force on 10 June 2007, unless Lebanon informed the United Nations that it complied with the legal requirements for its entry into force before that date.{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/RES/1757(2007) |title=Resolution 1757 (2007) |work=Annex - Agreement between the United Nations and the Lebanese Republic on the establishment of a Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Article 19 | publisher=United Nations Security Council |date=30 May 2007 |access-date=13 January 2016}} The political stalemate did not resolve itself, and the Agreement therefore came into force on 10 June 2007.{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/press/en/2007/sgsm11035.doc.htm |title=Secretary-General launches measures to establish Special Tribunal for Lebanon, in accordance with Security Council Resolution 1757 (2007) |publisher=United Nations Secretary General |date=11 June 2007 |access-date=13 January 2016}}

Following its legal establishment, the Secretary-General of the United Nations announced on 17 August 2007 that the Netherlands had agreed to host the Tribunal.{{citation|url=https://www.un.org/press/en/2007/sgsm11128.doc.htm |date=17 August 2007 |access-date=13 January 2017|title=Secretary-General welcomes Netherlands' favourable response to hosts Lebanon tribunal, created to prosecute those responsible for Rafiq Hariri's death}} The UN and the Netherlands signed a headquarters agreement to formalize the agreement on 21 December 2007.{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/press/en/2007/sgsm11347.doc.htm |title=Special Tribunal for Lebanon to be based at The Hague |publisher=United Nations |date=21 December 2007 | access-date=13 January 2017}}

The Tribunal opened its doors on 1 March 2009,{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/press/en/2009/sc9606.doc.htm |title=Security Council Press Statement on Special Tribunal for Lebanon |publisher=United Nations |date=3 March 2009| access-date=13 January 2017}} taking over jurisdiction from the United Nations International Independent Investigation Commission (UNIIIC), whose mandate ended on 28 February 2009.{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/RES/1852(2008)|title=United Nations Security Council Resolution 1852 (2008)|publisher=United Nations Security Council|date=17 December 2008|access-date=17 February 2017}}

The Tribunal was established to "try all those who are found responsible for the [February 14th, 2005] terrorist crime which killed the former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri and others." Its jurisdiction could be extended beyond that event to other attacks in Lebanon between 1 October 2004 and 12 December 2005, if there was sufficient evidence showing they were connected and of a similar nature and gravity to the 14 February attack.{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/infocus/lebanon/tribunal/|title=Special Tribunal for Lebanon|publisher=United Nations|access-date=8 October 2010}}{{cite web|url=http://www.stl-tsl.org/section/AbouttheSTL |title=Courtroom |publisher=Special Tribunal for Lebanon |access-date=9 February 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090503161152/http://www.stl-tsl.org/section/AbouttheSTL |archive-date=3 May 2009 }} Human Rights Watch had argued that the tribunal should have been given jurisdiction over 14 other attacks perpetrated in Lebanon since 1 October 2004.{{cite news|url=http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/05/01/lebano13297.htm|author=Human Rights Watch|title=Establishing the Hariri Tribunal|date=30 May 2006|access-date=7 December 2008}} The Tribunal is the first of the UN-based international criminal court to try a terrorist crime committed against a specific person.{{cite news|work=BBC News |last=Ghattas|first=Kim|date=21 May 2006|access-date=7 December 2008|title=Lebanon's groundbreaking tribunal|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4926536.stm}}

The Tribunal's mandate was initially set for three years,{{citation|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/documents/un-documents/un-security-council-resolutions/225-security-council-resolution-1757|date=30 May 2007|access-date=8 November 2016|title=United Nations Security Council Resolution 1757 (2007)|work= Annex - Agreement between the United Nations and the Lebanese Republic on the establishment of a Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Article 21(1)}} but has been extended by the UN Secretary-General (in consultation with the Government of Lebanon and the Security Council) to allow the Tribunal to complete its work.{{citation|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/documents/un-documents/un-security-council-resolutions/225-security-council-resolution-1757|date=30 May 2007|access-date=8 November 2016|title=United Nations Security Council Resolution 1757 (2007)|work= Annex - Agreement between the United Nations and the Lebanese Republic on the establishment of a Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Article 21(2)}} Most recently, in 2015, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon "reaffirmed the commitment of the UN to support the work of the Tribunal to bring those responsible to justice and to ensure that impunity for such major crimes will not be tolerated," and extended the Tribunal's mandate until 2018.{{Cite web |url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=49724#.WGKFr1MrK70 |title=Mandate of UN-backed tribunal for Lebanon extended for three more years |publisher=UN News Centre |date=2 January 2015 |access-date=27 December 2016}} The mandate may be further extended if cases are still ongoing.{{Cite web |url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/documents/un-documents/un-security-council-resolutions/225-security-council-resolution-1757 |title=Agreement between the United Nations and the Lebanese Republic on the establishment of a Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Article 21 |publisher=Special Tribunal for Lebanon website |date=30 May 2007 |access-date=27 December 2016}}

The Tribunal applies Lebanese criminal law,{{citation|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/documents/statute-of-the-tribunal/223-statute-of-the-special-tribunal-for-lebanon|date=30 May 2007|access-date=17 February 2017|title=Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon|work=Article 2}} with judges guided by both the Lebanese Code of Criminal Procedure and other materials reflecting the highest standards of international criminal procedure.{{citation|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/documents/statute-of-the-tribunal/223-statute-of-the-special-tribunal-for-lebanon|date=30 May 2007|access-date=17 February 2017|title=Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon|work=Article 28(2)}}

Accordingly, it also is similar to Section I for War Crimes and Section II for Organized Crime, Economic Crime and Corruption of the Criminal and Appellate Divisions of the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina which has such "hybrid" chambers,{{cite web|url=http://www.registrarbih.gov.ba/index.php?opcija=sadrzaji&id=1&jezik=e|title=About the Registry|access-date=7 December 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706131425/http://www.registrarbih.gov.ba/index.php?opcija=sadrzaji&id=1&jezik=e|archive-date=6 July 2011}} as well as to the Special Court for Sierra Leone and the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC).

The STL is composed of four organs: Chambers, which consists of a Pre-Trial Judge, a Trial Chamber, and an Appeals Chamber;[https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/documents/statute-of-the-tribunal/223-statute-of-the-special-tribunal-for-lebanon Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon], Article 7. the Registry, responsible for the administration of the Tribunal;[https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/documents/statute-of-the-tribunal/223-statute-of-the-special-tribunal-for-lebanon Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon], Article 12. the Office of the Prosecutor;[https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/documents/statute-of-the-tribunal/223-statute-of-the-special-tribunal-for-lebanon Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon], Article 11. and the Defense Office.[https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/documents/statute-of-the-tribunal/223-statute-of-the-special-tribunal-for-lebanon Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon], Article 13.{{cite news|url=http://ictj.org/publication/handbook-special-tribunal-lebanon|title=Handbook on The Special Tribunal for Lebanon|date=1 April 2008}} International Center for Transitional Justice The STL Statute also allows for victims to participate in the proceedings, through legal representatives. In the administrative structure of the Tribunal, victim participation falls under the Registry.{{citation|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/images/RPE/STL-BD-2009-01-Rev8_RPE_EN.pdf|date=20 March 2009|access-date=18 January 2017|title=STL Rules of Procedure and Evidence|work=Rule 51}}

The Chambers are composed of an international Pre-Trial Judge, three Trial Chamber judges (one Lebanese and two international), five Appeals Chamber judges (two Lebanese and three international), and two alternate judges (one Lebanese and one international).[https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/documents/statute-of-the-tribunal/223-statute-of-the-special-tribunal-for-lebanon Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon], Article 8(1). The alternate judges may be assigned by the Tribunal President (at the request of the presiding judge of the Trial Chamber) to be present at each stage of the trial, and replace a judge who is unable to continue sitting.[https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/documents/statute-of-the-tribunal/223-statute-of-the-special-tribunal-for-lebanon Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon], Article 8(3).

Judges are appointed by the Secretary-General of the United Nations for a three-year period, which can be renewed.

Both the Trial Chamber and the Appeals Chamber elect a presiding judge to conduct the proceedings.[https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/documents/statute-of-the-tribunal/223-statute-of-the-special-tribunal-for-lebanon Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon], Article 8(2). The presiding judge of the Appeals Chamber is also the President of the Special Tribunal.[http://www.stl-tsl.org/images/RPe/RPe_eN_February_2012.pdf STL Rules of Procedure and Evidence], Rule 31 The term of the President is normally one and a half years.[http://www.stl-tsl.org/images/RPe/RPe_eN_February_2012.pdf STL Rules of Procedure and Evidence], Rule 31(C).

The President has a number of functions and responsibilities, including coordinating the work of the Chambers to ensure the effective functioning of the Tribunal and good administration of justice; supervising the activities of the Registry; issuing Practice Directions (in consultation with the Council of Judges, Registrar, Head of Defence Office, and Prosecutor); and representing the Tribunal in international relations.[http://www.stl-tsl.org/images/RPe/RPe_eN_February_2012.pdf STL Rules of Procedure and Evidence], Rule 32. The President is also responsible for submitting an annual report on the Tribunal's activities to the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Government of Lebanon.[https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/documents/statute-of-the-tribunal/223-statute-of-the-special-tribunal-for-lebanon Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon], Article 10(2).

The first President of the Tribunal was the late Antonio Cassese.[https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/about-the-stl/biographies/judges-of-the-special-tribunal-for-lebanon/1244-tributes-to-judge-antonio-cassese?highlight=WyJjYXNzZXNlIiwiY2Fzc2VzZSdzIl0= Tributes to Judge Antonio Cassese (1937 to 2011)]. Special Tribunal for Lebanon website. Undated. Following his resignation, Cassese was succeeded by Sir David Baragwanath, elected on 10 October 2011.[https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/media/press-releases/1224-tribunal-appoints-new-president Tribunal appoints new President] (Press release). The Hague, Netherlands: Special Tribunal for Lebanon. 10 October 2011. Baragwanath was succeeded by Judge Ivana Hrdličková, who was elected on 19 February 2015.[https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/News-and-press/Press-releases/3814-election-of-judge-ivana-hrdlickova-as-new-stl-president Election of Judge Ivana Hrdličková as new STL President ] (Press release). The Hague, Netherlands: Special Tribunal for Lebanon. 19 February 2015. She was re-elected on 4 July 2016.[https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/media/press-releases/5069-re-election-of-stl-president-and-vice-president Re-election of STL President and Vice President] (Press release). The Hague, Netherlands: Special Tribunal for Lebanon. 4 July 2016.

The Appeals Chamber also elects a Vice-President for a one-and-a-half-year term.[http://www.stl-tsl.org/images/RPe/RPe_eN_February_2012.pdf STL Rules of Procedure and Evidence], Rule 33. The Vice-President exercises the President's functions when the President is absent or unable to act, and any other function delegated by the President.[http://www.stl-tsl.org/images/RPe/RPe_eN_February_2012.pdf STL Rules of Procedure and Evidence], Rule 34.

Lebanese Judge Ralph Riachi has been Vice-President of the Tribunal since it opened in 2009,[https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/about-the-stl/biographies/principals/365-vice-president-judge-ralph-riachi?highlight=WyJyaWFjaGkiXQ== Vice-president - Judge Ralph Riachi]. Special Tribunal for Lebanon website. 7 June 2011. and was most recently re-elected on 4 July 2016.

The Registry is responsible for administering and servicing the Tribunal, under the authority of the President[https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/documents/statute-of-the-tribunal/223-statute-of-the-special-tribunal-for-lebanon Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon], Article 12(1). and the direction of the Registrar.[https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/documents/statute-of-the-tribunal/223-statute-of-the-special-tribunal-for-lebanon Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon], Article 12(2).

The Registry's Judicial Division ensures the efficient functioning of hearings, and consists of the Court Management and Services Section, Victims and Witnesses Unit,[https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/documents/statute-of-the-tribunal/223-statute-of-the-special-tribunal-for-lebanon Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon], Article 12(4). Victims' Participation Unit, Language Services Section, Detention Facility, and Information Services Section.[https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/about-the-stl/structure-of-the-stl/registry-stl Registry]. Special Tribunal for Lebanon website. Undated. The Registry's Division of Administration provides administrative services to the whole Tribunal, and includes the Human and Financial Resources Services Section, Budget Unit, Procurement Section, and the General Services Section. The Registry's Security and Safety Section provides security for the Tribunal's personnel, facilities, assets and programmes.

The Registrar is appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General for a three-year term, which can be renewed.[https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/documents/statute-of-the-tribunal/223-statute-of-the-special-tribunal-for-lebanon Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon], Article 12(3). Ban Ki-moon appointed Robin Vincent as the first Registrar of the Tribunal on 11 March 2008.{{cite news|url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=25925&Cr=Leban&Cr1=|title=Ban Ki-moon names top official for Lebanon tribunal|work=UN News Centre|date=11 April 2008|access-date=7 December 2008}} He oversaw the 'start-up phase' of STL, successfully guiding the court to its first public broadcast.

Following Vincent's sudden resignation,[https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/media/press-releases/113-the-registrar-of-the-special-tribunal-for-lebanon-mr-robin-vincent-has-resigned-from-his-position-effective-june-2009 The Registrar of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Mr. Robin Vincent, has resigned from his position effective June 2009] (Press release). The Hague, Netherlands: Special Tribunal for Lebanon. 21 April 2009. Ban appointed David Tolbert as Registrar on 9 July 2009, to assume the post effective 26 August 2009.[https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/news-and-press/press-releases/101-secretary-general-appoints-david-tolbert-of-the-united-states-of-america-as-the-registrar-of-the-special-tribunal-for-lebanon Secretary-General appoints David Tolbert of the United States of America as the Registrar of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon] (Press release). The Hague, Netherlands: Special Tribunal for Lebanon. 10 July 2009.

Herman von Hebel was appointed as acting Registrar on 1 March 2010[https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/news-and-press/press-releases/69-secretary-general-appoints-herman-von-hebel-as-acting-stl-registrar Secretary General Appoints Herman von Hebel as Acting STL Registrar] (Press release). The Hague, Netherlands: Special Tribunal for Lebanon. 1 March 2010. and as Registrar on 10 December 2010.[https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/News-and-press/Press-releases/214-herman-von-hebel-appointed-registrar-of-the-special-tribunal-for-lebanon Herman von Hebel appointed Registrar of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon] (Press release). The Hague, Netherlands: Special Tribunal for Lebanon. 10 December 2010. Current Registrar Daryl A. Mundis was appointed acting Registrar on 18 April 2013 and Registrar on 24 July 2013.[https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/News-and-press/Press-releases/2419-24-07-2013-un-secretary-general-appoints-daryl-a-mundis-as-registrar-of-the-special-tribunal-for-lebanon UN Secretary-General Appoints Daryl A. Mundis as Registrar of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon] (Press release). The Hague, Netherlands: Special Tribunal for Lebanon. 24 July 2013.

According to the STL Statute, where their personal interests are affected, victims shall be allowed to present their views during the proceedings, so matter as this is not inconsistent with and does not prejudice the rights of the accused to a fair and impartial trial.{{citation|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/documents/statute-of-the-tribunal/223-statute-of-the-special-tribunal-for-lebanon|date=30 May 2007|access-date=18 January 2017|title=Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon|work=Article 17}} Victims participate through designated legal representatives.

Victims are entitled to receive case-related documents and may be permitted to call witnesses and tender evidence at trial.{{citation|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/images/RPE/STL-BD-2009-01-Rev8_RPE_EN.pdf|date=20 March 2009|access-date=18 January 2017|title=STL Rules of Procedure and Evidence|work=Rule 87}} They may also be heard at the sentencing and appeal stages.

The Victims' Participation Unit (VPU), a unit of the Registry, helps victims participate in the proceedings by developing strategies for participation, informing victims of their rights, receiving applications for participation, distributing case filings to victims, informing them of relevant decisions, and providing other logistical and administrative assistance.{{citation|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/images/RPE/STL-BD-2009-01-Rev8_RPE_EN.pdf|date=20 March 2009|access-date=18 January 2017|title=STL Rules of Procedure and Evidence|work=Rule 51(B)}} The VPU also maintains a list of eligible counsel to represent victims, administers legal aid to indigent victims, provides legal support and advice to victims and their legal representatives, and provides training to legal representatives of victims as necessary.{{citation|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/images/RPE/STL-BD-2009-01-Rev8_RPE_EN.pdf|date=20 March 2009|access-date=18 January 2017|title=STL Rules of Procedure and Evidence|work=Rule 51(C)}}

The Legal Representatives of Victims are Peter Haynes (lead legal representative), Mohammad Mattar (co-legal representative), and Nada Abd El Sater Abu Samra (co-legal representative).{{citation|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/about-the-stl/biographies/2083-legal-representative-of-victims|access-date=18 January 2017|title=Legal Representative of Victims}}

The Prosecutor is responsible for the investigation and prosecution of persons responsible for crimes falling under the Tribunal's jurisdiction.[https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/documents/statute-of-the-tribunal/223-statute-of-the-special-tribunal-for-lebanon Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon], Article 11(1)

According to the Agreement between the United Nations and the Lebanese Republic on the establishment of a Special Tribunal for Lebanon, the Prosecutor continues the investigations begun by the United Nations International Independent Investigation Commission.{{citation|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/documents/un-documents/un-security-council-resolutions/225-security-council-resolution-1757|date=30 May 2007|access-date=28 December 2016|title=United Nations Security Council Resolution 1757 (2007)|work= Annex - Agreement between the United Nations and the Lebanese Republic on the establishment of a Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Article 17(a)}} In conducting the investigations, the Prosecutor obtains statements from witnesses, collects evidence, and conducts on-site investigations.{{citation|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/documents/statute-of-the-tribunal/223-statute-of-the-special-tribunal-for-lebanon|date=30 May 2007|access-date=8 November 2016|title=Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon|work=Article 11(5)}} The Prosecutor works in cooperation with the relevant Lebanese authorities in carrying out these tasks.{{citation|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/documents/un-documents/un-security-council-resolutions/225-security-council-resolution-1757|date=30 May 2007|access-date=28 December 2016|title=United Nations Security Council Resolution 1757 (2007)|work= Annex - Agreement between the United Nations and the Lebanese Republic on the establishment of a Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Article 15}}

While the Prosecutor acts independently in the conduct of his investigation, he must obtain the authorisation of the Pre-Trial Judge of the Tribunal to undertake compulsory investigative measures, such as orders and warrants for the arrest or transfer of persons.{{citation|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/documents/statute-of-the-tribunal/223-statute-of-the-special-tribunal-for-lebanon|date=30 May 2007|access-date=8 November 2016|title=Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon|work=Article 18(2)}}

Once the Prosecutor reaches the conclusion that there is sufficient evidence of the commission of a crime by an individual to justify the filing of an indictment, and that it is in the public interest to do so, he or she presents the indictment setting out the charges to the Pre-Trial Judge for confirmation.{{citation|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/documents/statute-of-the-tribunal/223-statute-of-the-special-tribunal-for-lebanon|date=30 May 2007|access-date=8 November 2016|title=Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon|work=Article 18(1)}} If the judge is satisfied that the evidence is at first glance sufficient to support the charges, he or she will confirm the indictment and the matter will go to trial.

During trial, the Prosecutor is responsible for presenting witnesses and evidence in order to prove the allegations made in the indictment beyond a reasonable doubt.

The Prosecutor is appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General for a three-year term, which can be renewed.[https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/documents/statute-of-the-tribunal/223-statute-of-the-special-tribunal-for-lebanon Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon], Article 11(3). The Prosecutor is assisted by a Lebanese Deputy Prosecutor.[https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/documents/statute-of-the-tribunal/223-statute-of-the-special-tribunal-for-lebanon Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon], Article 11(4).

Daniel Bellemare was appointed as the first Prosecutor on 14 November 2007,[https://www.stl-tsl.org/fr/documents/un-documents/download/111_b2457d5600f52bd8aa8b24d14ad7c7f7 Second report of the Secretary-General submitted pursuant to Security Council resolution 1757 (2007)], S/2008/173, para. 13. 12 March 2008. and was sworn in when the Tribunal opened in March 2009.[https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/media/press-releases/116-judicial-officials-sworn-in-and-rules-of-evidence-and-procedures-adopted Judicial Officials Sworn In and Rules of Evidence and Procedures Adopted] (Press release). The Hague, Netherlands: Special Tribunal for Lebanon. 24 March 2009. Current Prosecutor Norman Farrell was appointed on 29 February 2012.[https://www.un.org/press/en/2012/sga1328.doc.htm Secretary-General Appoints Prosecutor, Judge to Special Tribunal for Lebanon] (Press release). New York: United Nations Secretary-General. 29 February 2012.

Lebanese lawyer Joyce Tabet assumed the position of Deputy Prosecutor of the Court on 1 November 2009.[https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/about-the-stl/biographies/principals/360-deputy-prosecutor-joyce-f-tabet Deputy Prosecutor - Joyce F. Tabet]. Special Tribunal for Lebanon website. 7 June 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=105415#axzz10VDCvXxC |title=Lebanon appoints Joyce Tabet as STL deputy state prosecutor |publisher=Dailystar.com.lb |date=18 August 2009 |access-date=8 October 2010}}

The STL is the first international tribunal to have a Defence Office that is independent of the Registry, on par with the Office of the Prosecutor.[https://www.stl-tsl.org/ar/documents/presidents-reports-and-memoranda/download/82_a3d2aadc67f1e26a4d99ca9e4133f7ed Special Tribunal for Lebanon First Annual Report (2009–2010)], para. 15. March 2010.Jones, John R.W.D. and Zgonec-Rožej, Miša (2014). "Chapter 10: Rights of Suspects and Accused". In Alamuddin, Amal, Jurdi, Nidal Nabil and Tolbert, David. The Special Tribunal for Lebanon: Law and Practice. Oxford University Press. pp. 177-207 (at p. 191). {{ISBN|978-0-19-968745-9}}. Other tribunals have had defence offices, but in contrast to the independent Offices of the Prosecutor, these offices are not independent and fall under the administration of other organs of the Court. The Defence Office does not represent any accused, but instead exists to ensure the protection of the accused's rights and to make the exercise of these rights effective, an essential requirement for a fair trial.{{citation|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/about-the-stl/structure-of-the-stl/defence-2/defence-office-69|access-date=17 February 2017|title=Defence Office|author=Special Tribunal for Lebanon}}

The Head of Defence Office is appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General, in consultation with the President of the Tribunal.[https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/documents/statute-of-the-tribunal/223-statute-of-the-special-tribunal-for-lebanon Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon], Article 13(1). The Head of Defence Office is responsible for appointing Office staff and drawing up a list of defence counsel. The Defence Office is mandated to protect the rights of the defence and support defence counsel and persons entitled to legal assistance (including research, evidence collection, and advice).[https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/documents/statute-of-the-tribunal/223-statute-of-the-special-tribunal-for-lebanon Statute of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon], STL Statute, Article 13(2).

François Roux was sworn in as Head of the Defence Office in March 2009, and he remains in the role.[https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/about-the-stl/biographies/principals/361-head-of-defence-office-francois-roux Head of Defence Office - François Roux]. Special Tribunal for Lebanon website. 7 June 2011.

In September 2010, Lebanese-French lawyer Alia Aoun was appointed as Deputy Head of Defence Office.[https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/news-and-press/press-releases/119-the-head-of-defence-office-appoints-deputy The Head of Defence Office Appoints Deputy] (Press release). The Hague, Netherlands: Special Tribunal for Lebanon. 7 October 2010. Current Deputy Head Héleyn Uñac was appointed on an interim basis in May 2012 and was formally appointed in May 2014.[https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/about-the-stl/biographies/principals/3476-deputy-of-defence-office-heleyn-unac Deputy Head of Defence Office - Héleyn Uñac]. Special Tribunal for Lebanon website. 8 September 2014.

All suspects and accused persons have the right to be represented by their own counsel before the STL.{{citation|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/about-the-stl/structure-of-the-stl/defence-2/defence-counsel|access-date=17 February 2017|title=Defence Counsel|author=Special Tribunal for Lebanon}} Each accused in the Ayyash et al. case, for example, has his own defence counsel and team. Defence counsel are responsible for all aspects of the case.

Defence counsel are independent of the Tribunal, but are supported by the Defence Office.

Lebanon contributes 49% of the Tribunal's budget, while the remaining 51% comes from voluntary contributions.{{cite web|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/documents/un-documents/un-security-council-resolutions/225-security-council-resolution-1757|title=UN Security Council Resolution 1757 (2007)|work=Annex - Agreement between the United Nations and the Lebanese Republic on the establishment of a Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Article 5(1)|access-date=8 November 2016}} Since 2009, 28 countries and the European Union have contributed to the Tribunal, either through voluntary contributions or in-kind support. These countries include Lebanon, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Russian Federation, Sweden, Macedonia, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Uruguay and other states.{{cite web|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/index.php?option=com_k2&id=7551_b06403f665a6f7b36d9572d08e2f0eb3&lang=en&task=download&view=item|title=STL Seventh Annual Report (2015–2016)|work=STL website|page=40|access-date=17 February 2017}} The budget has been slightly under €60 million in recent years, but increased slightly in 2016 due in part to the strengthening of the US dollar against the euro.

In September 2007, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon estimated that the Tribunal would cost US$120 million over three years.{{cite web|url=http://jurist.law.pitt.edu/paperchase/2007/09/netherlands-invites-un-to-finalize.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070920161522/http://jurist.law.pitt.edu/paperchase/2007/09/netherlands-invites-un-to-finalize.php|archive-date=20 September 2007|last=Jansen|first=Jaime|title=Netherlands invite UN to finalize hosting details for Hariri tribunal|work=JURIST|date=11 September 2007|access-date=7 December 2008}} During the Opening Ceremony for the Tribunal, which was held on 1 March 2009, UN officials indicated that contributions were in hand to cover the estimated costs of the first year ($51.4 million USD). Eventually, the investigation and trial cost nearly $1 billion, of which Lebanon paid 49% while other nations paid the rest.

The 2020 budget for the STL was €55m, followed by a 37% cut in 2021, in which $15.5m were paid by the United Nations on behalf of Lebanon in March 2021.{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/un-tribunal-lebanon-may-close-after-july-due-financial-crisis-2021-06-02/ |title=UN tribunal for Lebanon may close after July due to financial crisis |website=Reuters |date=2 June 2021 }} In June 2021, it was reported that the STL would cease operations by July, due to funding shortages.{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/lebanon-tribunal-scraps-new-trial-hariri-assassin-because-funding-shortage-2021-06-03/ |title=Lebanon tribunal scraps new trial of Hariri assassin because of funding shortage |website=Reuters |date=3 June 2021 }} Hence, the Lebanese caretaker prime minister, Hassan Diab, wrote a letter to the UN, urging them to find new funding methods.{{cite web |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/6/4/lebanon-urges-un-to-find-alternative-funding-for-hariri-tribunal |title=Lebanon urges UN to find alternative funding for Hariri tribunal |website=Al Jazeera |date=4 June 2021 }}

File:Netherlands, Leidschendam, Lebanon tribunal.JPG, Netherlands]]

For reasons of security, administrative efficiency and fairness,{{cite web|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/documents/un-documents/un-security-council-resolutions/225-security-council-resolution-1757|title=UN Security Council Resolution 1757 (2007)|access-date=8 November 2016|work=Annex - Agreement between the United Nations and the Lebanese Republic on the establishment of a Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Article 8}} the Tribunal has its seat outside Lebanon, in Leidschendam, on the outskirts of The Hague, the Netherlands. The premises of the Tribunal are the former headquarters of the Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service (Algemene Inlichtingen- en Veiligheidsdienst, or AIVD).{{cite web|url=https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/archive/lebanons_special_tribunal_to_be_located_in_former_dutch_intelligence_hq|title=Lebanon's Special Tribunal to be located in former Dutch Intelligence HQ|publisher=NOW News|date=21 December 2007|access-date=8 November 2016}}

The STL courtroom served as a courtroom for the Charles Taylor trial before the Special Court for Sierra Leone{{cite web|url=http://www.sierraexpressmedia.com/archives/8333|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100516185740/http://www.sierraexpressmedia.com/archives/8333|archive-date=16 May 2010 |title=Taylor Trial to move to STL courtroom |publisher=Sierraexpressmedia.com |date=13 May 2010 |access-date=8 October 2010}} from 2010 to 2012.{{cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2012/04/16/charles-taylor-qa-case-prosecutor-v-charles-ghankay-taylor-special-court-sierra|title=Charles Taylor: Q&A on The Case of Prosecutor v. Charles Ghankay Taylor at the Special Court for Sierra Leone|work=Human Rights Watch|date=16 April 2012|access-date=8 November 2016}}

The Tribunal also maintains an office in Beirut, where its Outreach and Legacy Section is based.{{cite web|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/about-the-stl|title=About the STL|work=STL website|access-date=27 December 2016}}

Eleven days after the assassination, a fact-finding mission sent by the Secretary-General of the United Nations and led by Irish Deputy Police Commissioner Peter FitzGerald set to work investigating the causes, circumstances, and consequences of the attack.{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=13461&Cr=middle&Cr1=lebanon |title=UN team starts probe into assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister |publisher=United Nations News Centre |date=25 February 2005| access-date=13 January 2017}} On 24 March 2005 the fact-finding mission submitted its report, recommending an independent international investigation be launched.{{cite web|url=https://unispal.un.org/DPA/DPR/unispal.nsf/0/79CD8AAA858FDD2D85256FD500536047 |title=Report of the Fact-finding Mission to Lebanon inquiring into the causes, circumstances and consequences of the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri |publisher=United Nations Security Council |date=24 March 2005 | access-date=13 January 2017}}

UN Security Council Resolution 1595 (2005) established the United Nations International Independent Investigation Commission (UNIIIC) on 7 April 2005.{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/RES/1595(2005) |title=Resolution 1595 (2005) |publisher=United Nations Security Council |date=7 April 2005 | access-date=13 January 2017}} The purpose of the commission was to gather evidence and to assist the Lebanese authorities in their investigation of the attack of 14 February 2005. The UNIIIC investigated the Hariri assassination for four years before the STL was established, gathering evidence and assisting the Lebanese authorities with their investigations.{{cite news|url=http://ictj.org/publication/handbook-special-tribunal-lebanon|title=Handbook on The Special Tribunal for Lebanon|date=1 April 2008}}International Center for Transitional Justice

The UNIIIC's tenth report was submitted to the Security Council on 28 March 2008.{{cite web|url=https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N08/287/43/PDF/N0828743.pdf |title=Tenth report of the International Independent Investigation Commission established pursuant to Security Council resolutions 1595 (2005), 1636 (2005), 1644 (2005), 1686 (2006) and 1748 (2007) |publisher=United Nations Security Council |date=28 March 2008 | access-date=13 January 2017}} Commissioner Daniel Bellemare stated "that a network of individuals acted in concert to carry out the assassination of Rafic Hariri” and that this network was also connected to other cases falling under the UNIIIC's mandate. The UNIIIC completed its mandate on 28 February 2009, handing over its work to the STL.{{cite web|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/about-the-stl/creation-of-the-stl |title=Creation of the STL |publisher=Special Tribunal for Lebanon | access-date=13 January 2017}}

The United Nations investigation initially implicated high-level Lebanese and Syrian security officers in Hariri's killing. Damascus denied involvement. Four pro-Syrian Lebanese generals were detained by the Lebanese authorities for four years without charge in connection with Hariri's killing. One of the first acts of the Tribunal was to order the release of the generals after ruling that there was insufficient evidence to justify their detention.{{cite web|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/media/press-releases/110-order-of-the-pre-trial-judge-regarding-the-release-of-the-four-generals |title=Order of the Pre-Trial Judge regarding the release of the four Generals |publisher=Special Tribunal for Lebanon |date=29 April 2009 | access-date=13 January 2017}}

In October 2010, STL investigators carried out a "controlled explosion" at an air force base in Captieux, France to replicate "an explosion in order to carry out forensic tests." However, the STL said the explosion was not a full-scale reconstruction of the assassination.{{cite web|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/10/2010102002449814660.html |title=Hariri probe team re-enacts blast – Middle East |publisher=Al Jazeera English |access-date=12 December 2011}}

The first indictment was confidentially submitted on 17 January 2011 to Pre-Trial Judge Daniel Fransen. The STL released a statement at the time saying that "the Prosecutor of the tribunal has submitted an indictment and supporting materials to the Pre-Trial Judge... The contents of the indictment remain confidential at this stage."{{Cite web |url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/media/press-releases/210-stl-prosecutor-submits-an-indictment-to-the-pre-trial-judge |title=STL Prosecutor submits an indictment to the Pre-Trial Judge |publisher=Special Tribunal for Lebanon |date=17 January 2011}} On 11 March, the Prosecutor filed an amended indictment,{{Cite web |url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/media/press-releases/196-prosecutor-daniel-a-bellemare-files-an-amended-indictment |title=Prosecutor Daniel A. Bellemare files an amended indictment |publisher=STL |date=11 March 2011}} with media speculating that it could name senior as well as rank and file Hezbollah members.{{cite news|url=http://www.weeklystandard.com/articles/all-quiet-lebanon-front_554828.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110320035402/http://www.weeklystandard.com/articles/all-quiet-lebanon-front_554828.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 March 2011|title=All Quiet on the Lebanon Front|newspaper=The Weekly Standard|date=28 March 2011|access-date=12 December 2011}}

In reaction to the submission, U.S. President Barack Obama welcomed the first indictment saying it could end an "era of impunity" and that it was "a significant and emotional time for the Lebanese people" and that "the U.S. were joining the international community in calling on all leaders and factions to preserve calm and exercise restraint."{{Cite web |url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2011/01/17/statement-president-special-tribunal-lebanon-announcement |work=whitehouse.gov |title=Statement by the President on the Special Tribunal for Lebanon Announcement |via=National Archives |date=17 January 2011}} Lebanon's Foreign Minister Ali Al Shami responded to him, saying that the US should cease interfering in Lebanon's affairs, while he summoned the U.S. Ambassador Maura Connelly to a meeting with a "key undecided lawmaker" Nicolas Fattouch. The embassy named the meeting "a part of routine meetings with personalities from across Lebanon's political spectrum."{{cite news|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/01/2011117171436837590.html|title=US welcomes Hariri indictment|newspaper=Al Jazeera|access-date=12 December 2011}}

The indictment was confirmed on 28 June 2011{{Cite web |url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/index.php?option=com_k2&id=642_f35160dcfec16df81b98a034988e5871&lang=en&task=download&view=item |title=Decision Relating to the Examination of the Indictment of 10 June 2011 Issued Against Mr Salim Jamil Ayyash, Mr Mustafa Amine Badreddine, Mr Hussein Hassan Oneissi & Mr Assad Hassan Sabra |publisher=STL Pre-Trial Judge |date=28 June 2011}} and arrest warrants for the four accused issued two days later.{{Cite web |url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/media/press-releases/487-media-advisory-what-follows-a-confirmed-indictment |title=Media advisory - What follows a confirmed indictment? |publisher=Special Tribunal for Lebanon |date=30 June 2011}} The warrants were submitted to the Lebanese authorities, but the accused were not publicly identified by the Tribunal itself{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-13972350|title=Hariri murder: UN tribunal issues arrest warrants|date=30 June 2011|work=BBC News|access-date=3 July 2011}} until a month later.{{cite web|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/media/press-releases/614-pre-trial-judge-lifts-confidentiality-from-parts-of-the-indictment | title=Pre-Trial Judge lifts confidentiality from parts of the indictment |publisher=STL | date=29 July 2011 |access-date=31 March 2017}} The full indictment was unsealed that August.{{cite web|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/media/press-releases/687-17-08-2011-indictment-and-its-confirmation-decision-made-public | title=Indictment and its confirmation decision made public |publisher=STL | date=17 August 2011 |access-date=31 March 2017}}

In the meantime, before the official announcement, Lebanese media and the Interior Minister of Lebanon reported that warrants had been issued for members of Hezbollah's assassination unit, Unit 121, namely Mustafa Badreddine, Salim al-Ayyash, Assad Sabra, and Hassan Oneissi.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-14004096|title=Hezbollah leader Nasrallah rejects Hariri indictments|date=3 July 2011|work=BBC News |access-date=3 July 2011}}{{Cite news |last=Levitt |first=Matthew |date=2022 |title=Episode 8: Undermining Stability in Lebanon |url=https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/media/5476}}{{Cite news |last=Mekhennet |first=Souad |last2=Warrick |first2=Joby |date=2020-08-25 |title=Man convicted in 2005 assassination of former Lebanese prime minister was part of a Hezbollah hit squad, officials say |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/man-convicted-in-2005-assassination-of-former-lebanese-prime-minister-was-part-of-a-hezbollah-hit-squad-officials-say/2020/08/25/543cbf1a-e6e0-11ea-bc79-834454439a44_story.html |access-date=2025-04-28 |work=The Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}{{Cite web |last=Vohra |first=Anchal |date=2025-04-28 |title=Hezbollah Is Still Capable of Getting Revenge on Israel |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/10/01/hezbollah-israel-radwan-nasrallah-revenge-capabilities/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Foreign Policy |language=en-US}} On 3 July, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah rejected the indictment and vowed that the accused individuals would not be arrested under any circumstances by any government.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Politics/2011/Jul-03/Lebanons-Arabic-press-digest---July-3-2011.ashx|title=Lebanon's Arabic press digest|date=3 July 2011|work=The Daily Star|access-date=3 July 2011}} Nasrallah also denounced the Tribunal as a foreign plot against his party,{{cite news|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/07/201172183540290278.html|title=Nasrallah implies Israel behind Hariri murder|date=2 July 2011|work=Al Jazeera|access-date=3 July 2011}} while dismissing fears of internal strife or civil war, stating that the country's new government would ensure stability. Rafic Hariri's son, Saad, considered the indictments an "historic moment."

; Prosecution case

Following considerable efforts by Lebanese authorities to locate and arrest the individuals named in the warrants, including dozens of visits to known addresses, public advertisements, and extensive media coverage of the indictment, on 1 February 2012, the Trial Chamber determined that "Mr Ayyash, Mr Badreddine, Mr Oneissi and Mr Sabra cannot be found and that each has absconded and does not wish to participate in a trial despite being informed of the charges and the possible ways of participating in the trial."{{Cite web |url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/index.php?option=com_k2&id=1037_8ebd4bbe2a1e998f3a24eef60bc8894d&lang=en&task=download&view=item |title=Decision to Hold Trial in Absentia |publisher=STL Trial Chamber |date=1 February 2011}} In the interests of justice, the Trial Chamber, therefore, decided that the trial would proceed in absentia, or without the presence of the accused, in accordance with Lebanese law.{{Cite web |url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/media/press-releases/1371-01-02-2012-in-absentia-proceedings|title=Press Release: In absentia proceedings|publisher=STL|date=1 February 2012}}

The Pre-Trial Judge granted the first victims "participating victim" status on 8 May 2012.{{Cite web |url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/media/press-releases/1579-09-05-2012-victims-participation|title=Press Release: Victims' participation|publisher=STL |date=9 May 2012}} Three Legal Representatives of Victims were subsequently sworn in to represent them in the proceedings.{{Cite web |url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/media/press-releases/1635-05-06-2012-victims-legal-representatives-sworn-in|title=Press Release: Victims' legal representatives sworn in|publisher=STL |date=5 June 2012}}

The Prosecutor v. Ayyash et al., the first trial before the Tribunal, began on 16 January 2014{{Cite web |url=http://www.stl-tsl.org/en/media/press-releases/media-advisory-media-accreditation-for-start-of-trial-at-the-stl |title=Media Advisory - Media Accreditation for Start of Trial at the STL |publisher=STL |date=23 December 2013}} with an opening statement from the Prosecution.{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLV5lt60DdHaO3TdtD4b0uRTWVZbzdwjoN |title=Ayyash et al. Opening Statement |publisher=STL |date=16 January 2014}}

On 11 February 2014, the Trial Chamber ordered the Merhi case joined with the Ayyash et al. case.{{Cite web |url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/index.php?option=com_k2&id=3488_24c5e3f91ecc97fb4f4c7104c60ba553&lang=en&task=download&view=item |title=Decision on Trial Management and Reasons for Decision on Joinder |publisher=STL Trial Chamber |date=25 February 2014}} An adjournment of the trial was subsequently ordered to allow Merhi's counsel adequate preparation time.

Following the adjournment to allow the Defence adequate time to prepare, proceedings resumed on 18 June 2014.{{Cite web |url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/index.php?option=com_k2&id=4079_830efdee5555aaa06707615a0073f1c3&lang=en&task=download&view=item |title=Decision on Appeal by Counsel for Mr Merhi against the Trial Chamber's Decision on the Resumption of Trial Proceedings |publisher=STL Appeals Chamber |date=5 June 2014}}

On 13 May 2016, media reported that Mustafa Badreddine, one of the accused in Ayyash et al., had been killed in Damascus, Syria.{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-36283424 |title=Hezbollah commander Badreddine killed in Syria |publisher=BBC News |date=13 May 2016}} Proceedings against Badreddine were terminated on 11 July 2016.{{Cite web |url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/index.php?option=com_k2&id=8057_a0bcd74d22b8d348a4bc1c399cbd4af6&lang=en&task=download&view=item |title=Decision on Badreddine Defence Interlocutory Appeal of the "Interim Decision on the Death of Mr Mustafa Amine Badreddine and Possible Termination of Proceedings" |publisher=STL Appeals Chamber |date=11 July 2016}} The Prosecution filed an amended indictment the following day.{{Cite web |url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/the-cases/stl-11-01/main/indictments-6/5321-f2640 |title=Redacted Version of the Amended Consolidated Indictment |publisher=STL |date=12 July 2016}}

As of August 2017, the Prosecution continues its presentation of its case-in-chief.{{Cite web |url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/the-cases/courtroom-schedule |title=Courtroom Schedule |publisher=STL}}

;Victims' case

On 31 July 2017, the Trial Chamber tentatively scheduled the presentation of the victims' case for the week of 28 August 2017.{{Cite web |url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/media/press-releases/5879-the-trial-chamber-scheduled-the-presentation-of-the-victims-case-for-the-week-of-28-august-2017 |title=The Trial Chamber scheduled the presentation of the victims' case for the week of 28 August 2017 |publisher=STL |date=2 August 2017}} Seven victims and a non-victim witness were authorized to testify, while a decision on whether to allow a second non-victim witness to testify was deferred to a later date. The Trial Chamber directed that the presentation of the victims case "be interposed before the formal close of the Prosecutor's case,"{{Cite web |url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/index.php?option=com_k2&id=9852_bc889bfbecceff2ecda739671779eb8a&lang=en&task=download&view=item |title=Decision on the Legal Representatives of Victims' Application to Call Evidence, Schedule the Presentation of Evidence and Directions on Disclosure Obligations |work=Disposition |publisher=STL Trial Chamber |date=31 July 2017}} meaning the Prosecution case will continue after the victims complete their presentation of evidence. The Legal Representatives of Victims has estimated the presentation of evidence would take approximately two weeks of court time.

The Tribunal has determined that three attacks relating to Lebanese politicians Marwan Hamadeh, George Hawi and Elias El-Murr are connected to the 14 February 2005 attack, and has established jurisdiction over them.{{cite web|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/media/press-releases/698-19-08-2011-pre-trial-judge-rules-on-connected-cases |title=Pre-Trial Judge rules on connected cases |publisher=Special Tribunal for Lebanon |date=19 August 2011 |access-date=17 February 2017}} The Pre-Trial Judge has ordered that the Lebanese authorities provide the relevant files to the STL Prosecutor.{{cite web|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/the-cases/stl-11-02 |title=Connected cases, Hamadeh, Hawi and El-Murr (STL-11-02) |publisher=Special Tribunal for Lebanon |access-date=28 December 2016}} The cases remain under investigation, and no indictments have been issued.

When the Ayyash et al. indictment was confirmed on 28 June 2011, the Pre-Trial Judge ordered material related to the indictment be kept confidential.{{citation|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/index.php?option=com_k2&id=642_f35160dcfec16df81b98a034988e5871&lang=en&task=download&view=item|date=28 June 2011|access-date=27 January 2017|title=Decision Relating to the Examination of the Indictment of 10 June 2011 Issued against Mr Salim Jamil Ayyash, Mr Mustafa Amine Badreddine, Mr Hussein Hassan Oneissi & Mr Assad Hassan Sabra|work=para. 101}} On 25 May 2012 he ordered that "all third parties to the proceedings not to disseminate material in the proceedings of which they may have knowledge or any information contained therein, which may be subject to a protective measure, unless that material or information becomes public during open session proceedings."{{citation|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/index.php?option=com_k2&id=1465_db7c60c16329cbd273bd460788d88b7d&lang=en&task=download&view=item|date=25 May 2012|access-date=27 January 2017|title=Decision relating to the Prosecution Request Seeking Measures for the Non-Dissemination of Material of 2 May 2012}} Two journalists and two media companies were subsequently charged with violating the order.{{citation|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/the-cases/contempt-cases/stl-14-05/filings-stl-14-05/main-case/orders-and-decisions-stl-14-05/3089-f0001-14-05|date=31 January 2014|access-date=27 January 2017|title=Redacted Version of Decision in Proceedings for Contempt with Orders in Lieu of an Indictment|work=STL-14-05}}{{citation|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/the-cases/contempt-cases/stl-14-06/filings-stl-14-06/orders-and-decisions-stl-14-06/3091-f0001-1406|date=31 January 2014|access-date=27 January 2017|title=Redacted Version of Decision in Proceedings for Contempt with Orders in Lieu of an Indictment|work=STL-14-06}}

In April 2015, Lebanese journalist Karma Khayat and Al-Jadeed TV went on trial, accused of "knowingly and wilfully interfering with the administration of justice" over August 2012 broadcasts relating to alleged confidential witnesses in the Hariri case. The accused faced a maximum penalty of seven years in jail or a fine of €100,000 ($105,780), or both. This was the first time a company was indicted by an international court.Ahmed Aboulenein and Estelle Shirbon (17 March 2015), [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-lebanon-tribunal-media-idUSKBN0MD1JD20150317 Press freedom at stake in Lebanon tribunal case, says accused] Reuters. On 18 September 2015, Khayyat was convicted of failing to remove information on supposedly confidential witnesses from Al Jadeed's website and YouTube channel, while Al Jadeed was found not guilty.{{citation|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/media/press-releases/4365-18-09-2015-judgment-in-the-case-against-al-jadeed-s-a-l-and-ms-karma-al-khayat|date=18 September 2015|access-date=27 January 2017|title=Press Release: Judgment in the case against Al Jadeed S.A.L and Ms Karma Al Khayat}} Both accused were found not guilty of broadcasting and/or publishing information on supposedly confidential witnesses. Khayat was sentenced to a €10,000 fine.{{citation|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/index.php?option=com_k2&id=6688_f512159dc49f34d991a0d3d637c8bf56&lang=en&task=download&view=item|date=6 October 2015|access-date=27 January 2017|title=Reasons for Sentencing}} The conviction was reversed on 8 March 2016.{{citation|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/index.php?option=com_k2&id=7536_281a6b0a0386e9d17c3d920d8b969bea&lang=en&task=download&view=item|date=8 March 2016|access-date=27 January 2017|title=Public Redacted Version of Judgment on Appeal|work=STL-14-05}}

In a separate case, Ibrahim Al Amin and Akhbar Beirut were both found guilty of knowingly and wilfully interfering with the administration of justice by publishing information on alleged confidential witnesses in the Ayyash et al. case in July 2016.{{citation|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/index.php?option=com_k2&id=8077_a345a9b169a61927c76e6cf289f1584a&lang=en&task=download&view=item|date=15 July 2016|access-date=27 January 2017|title=Public Redacted Version of the Judgment|work=STL-14-06}} Al Amin was sentenced to a €20,000 fine and Akhbar Beirut to a €6,000 fine.{{citation|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/index.php?option=com_k2&id=8264_b8f4cdd635beff045fcf1af3d4cf8f4c&lang=en&task=download&view=item|date=5 September 2016|access-date=27 January 2017|title=Reasons for Sentencing Judgment|work=STL-14-06}} They did not appeal the judgment.

The list below details the counts against each individual or corporation indicted in the Tribunal and his or her current status. The column titled TA lists the number of counts of acts of terrorism with which an individual has been charged. MIA the number of counts of membership in illicit associations, FRC the number of counts of failure to report crimes, IH the number of crimes of intentional homicide, CPI the number of crimes of causing personal injuries, and C the number of crimes of contempt of the Tribunal and crimes against the administration of justice. Note that these are the counts with which an individual was indicted, not convicted.

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Given the importance of providing timely and accurate information to the Lebanese public, the STL is the first international tribunal to require the establishment of a dedicated outreach unit in its Statute or Rules of Procedure and Evidence.{{citation|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/images/RPE/STL-BD-2009-01-Rev8_RPE_EN.pdf|date=20 March 2009|access-date=18 January 2017|title=STL Rules of Procedure and Evidence|work=Rule 52(A)}} The Outreach and Legacy Unit, part of the Public Information and Communications Section within the Registry, is based in Beirut, Lebanon.{{cite web|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/about-the-stl/structure-of-the-stl/registry-stl/outreach|title=Outreach|work=STL website|access-date=24 March 2017}}

From there, it engages with legal professionals, government, academics, students and civil society organisations in order to communicate the Tribunal's work to the Lebanese and global public and seek feedback.{{cite web|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/about-the-stl/structure-of-the-stl/registry-stl/5225-the-public-information-and-communications-section|title=The Public Information and Communications Section|work=STL website|access-date=24 March 2017}} The Outreach and Legacy Unit therefore works in partnership with Lebanese universities, Bar Associations and NGOs to organise lectures, conferences, symposia, and roundtable discussions on topics related to the STL's mandate and general topics in international criminal justice throughout the year.

The STL's Public Affairs Unit, based in Leidschendam, Netherlands, is also part of the Public Information and Communications Section and is responsible for creating and disseminating public information. It supports the STL's outreach activities by organizing events and visits to the Tribunal by journalists, judges, students, state officials, academics, and others.

The STL and the T.M.C. Asser Instituut jointly organize an Inter-University Programme on International Criminal Law and Procedure for senior Lebanese undergraduates (and some graduate students), in partnership with Lebanese-based universities.{{cite web|url=http://www.asser.nl/education-events/inter-university-programme-on-international-criminal-law-and-procedure|title=Inter-University Programme on International Criminal Law and Procedure|work=TMC Asser Institute|access-date=24 March 2017}} Students from nearly a dozen Lebanese universities follow 15 lectures on international criminal law and procedure from prominent academic experts and practitioners.{{cite web|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/about-the-stl/events/5323-inter-university-course-on-international-criminal-law-and-procedure-november-2016-april-2017|title=Inter-University Course on International Criminal Law and Procedure, November 2016 – April 2017|work=STL website|access-date=24 March 2017}} Topics include the history of the law of the international tribunals; sources of international criminal (procedural) law; the substantive law of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and terrorism; general legal principles (modes of liability, rights of the accused, role of victims); jurisdiction, admissibility and complementarity; and international criminal proceedings (pre-trial, trial, judgment, appeal and sentencing). Over 800 Lebanese students have completed the program since it began in 2011.{{cite web|url= https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/media/press-releases/5186-a-group-of-lebanese-students-visit-the-special-tribunal-for-lebanon|title=A group of Lebanese students visit the Special Tribunal for Lebanon |publisher=STL|date=1 September 2016|access-date=24 March 2017}}

Each year, a group of students achieving the highest grades in the program are awarded a study trip to the seat of the STL in The Hague, Netherlands to visit the STL and neighbouring judicial institutions. In 2016, a competition was organized to encourage program alumni to share their knowledge with younger Lebanese by conducting presentations on the STL to high school students.{{cite web|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/index.php?option=com_k2&id=8506_174832923e3281fb0dd99015ea9c25fb&lang=en&task=download&view=item|title=STL Bulletin ( August–September 2016)|publisher=STL|date=September 2016|access-date=24 March 2017}}

In 2014, the STL organized training to help non-governmental organizations in Lebanon to better monitor and follow international criminal proceedings, particularly those of the STL.{{cite web|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/media/press-releases/3652-01-12-2014-representatives-of-lebanese-ngos-complete-the-training-on-monitoring-international-criminal-proceedings|title=Representatives of Lebanese NGOs complete the training on monitoring international criminal proceedings|publisher=STL|date=1 December 2014|access-date=24 March 2017}} Training took place in Beirut, Lebanon and The Hague, Netherlands and included interactive sessions with over 20 trial monitoring experts. Fifteen organizations took part.

The STL and the Institute for Human Rights at the Beirut Bar Association, supported by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, organize annual training for lawyers on criminal procedures before international courts.{{cite web|url= http://bba.org.lb/ar/Institutions/Details/75/%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%A9_%D8%AA%D8%AF%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A9_%D8%A3%D8%B5%D9%88%D9%84_%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%AD%D8%A7%D9%83%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%AA_%D8%A3%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%85_%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%AD%D8%A7%D9%83%D9%85_%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%A6%D9%8A%D8%A9_%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%88%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A9_%D9%81%D9%8A_%D8%AA%D8%B7%D8%A8%D9%8A%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%AA%D9%87%D8%A7_%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%85%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A9|title=دورة تدريبية أصول المحاكمات أمام المحاكم الجنائية الدولية في تطبيقاتها العملية |publisher=Beirut Bar Association|access-date=24 March 2017}} The program includes a mock trial where lawyers can work directly on issues involving international criminal law. Approximately 25 lawyers are trained each year.

As part of its outreach efforts, the STL publishes a number of publications to help the public, journalists, and other interested parties follow its work.

In 2015, the STL launched the Arabic translation of the late STL President (and Judge) Antonio Cassese's foundational textbook, International Criminal Law.{{cite web|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/media/press-releases/4025-20-05-2015-launch-of-the-arabic-translation-of-judge-antonio-cassese-s-book-international-criminal-law|title=Launch of the Arabic Translation of Judge Antonio Cassese's book "International Criminal Law"|publisher=STL |date=20 May 2015|access-date=24 March 2017}} The project, initiated by the STL, was sponsored by the Embassy of Switzerland in Lebanon and Sader Legal Publishers in Lebanon. This was the first full textbook on international criminal law published in Arabic.

In 2012, the STL's Outreach and Legacy Unit published a Glossary of Legal Terms in Arabic, English, and French, defining fundamental concepts related to international criminal law and to the STL itself in the three official languages of the Tribunal.{{cite web|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/index.php?option=com_k2&id=1619_6ec160f8dd9cda09684e66fdf6fe679f&lang=en&task=download&view=item|title=Glossary of Legal Terms|work=STL website|access-date=24 March 2017}}

The STL publishes a monthly bulletin providing updates about the latest developments and news.{{cite web|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/media/stl-bulletin|title=STL Bulletin|publisher=STL|work=STL website|access-date=24 March 2017}} The STL has also produced 130 short question-and-answer videos in Arabic, English, and French to explain its progress and unique features.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLV5lt60DdHaNxJHzchzeGWm8h189QFu9k|title=Q and A's|work=STL YouTube|access-date=24 March 2017}}{{cite web|url= https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/ask-the-tribunal|title=Ask the Tribunal|publisher=STL|work=STL website|access-date=24 March 2017}}

Trial proceedings are streamed on the STL website with a thirty-minute delay.{{cite web|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/index.php?option=com_k2&id=7551_b06403f665a6f7b36d9572d08e2f0eb3&lang=en&task=download&view=item|title=STL Seventh Annual Report (2015–2016)|work=STL website|page=37|access-date=24 March 2017}}

The STL organizes regular briefings and courtroom tours for the public. In the reporting year 2015-2016, 1,554 visitors from 94 countries attended organized group visits.

Robin Vincent resigned as the SLT Registrar in 2009 for what he described as the tribunal "not meeting the highest international standards in the field of criminal justice".{{Cite web |title=STL's Cassese: Resignation Likely Sign of Infighting |url=https://english.alahednews.com.lb/15385/492}} The appointment David Tolbert in July 2009 as his replacement did not provide any stability however, as the STL saw a rash of key resignations take place, including prosecution Spokesperson Radiya Ashouri, her successor, Henrietta Aswad, Judge Howard Morrison, Chief Investigator Naguib Kaldas,{{cite web |date=7 January 2010 |title=Hariri tribunal chief steps aside |url=http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2010/01/07/Hariri-tribunal-chief-steps-aside/UPI-69171262887800/ |access-date=3 August 2010 |work=UPI.com}} Assistant Chief Prosecutor, Bernard Cote, Chief of Public Affairs, Peter Wickwire Foster, Registry spokesperson Suzann Khan, her successor Dr. Fatima el Issawi and, just eight months after his appointment, Tolbert[https://www.un.org/press/en/2010/sgsm12698.doc.htm Secretary-General Regrets Resignation of Lebanon Special Tribunal; Praises Leadership, Excellent Progress Made during Tenure] (Statement). New York: United Nations Secretary-General. 12 January 2010. himself, leaving the credibility of the tribunal an open question before the first trial had even begun.{{Cite web |title=Special Tribunal for Lebanon suffering from lack of credibility |url=https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/rscsl.org/Clippings/2010/2010-10/pc2010-10-1.pdf}}

The UN investigation into the assassination and the subsequent establishment of the STL provoked controversy and tension in Lebanon between different political groups, particularly the anti-Syrian March 14 Alliance and the pro-Syrian March 8 Alliance. Allegations of Syrian involvement in the attack and the indictment of Hezbollah members{{Cite web |url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/index.php?option=com_k2&id=8072_bccbfe3cc421e0336ba026344c75f892&lang=en&task=download&view=item |title=STL-11-01/T/TC: The Prosecutor v. Salim Jamil Ayyash, Hassan Habib Merhi, Hussein Hassan Oneissi, and Assad Hassan Sabra, Redacted Version of the Amended Consolidated Indictment |publisher=STL |date=12 July 2016 |access-date=3 March 2017}} angered pro-Syria factions in Lebanon at the time.

Given the context in which the assassination of Hariri occurred (including reported threats to Hariri by Syrian president Bashar al-Assad in their last meeting and the attempted assassination of Lebanese politician Marwan Hamadeh, who had resisted Syrian demands, the previous October), Syrian involvement was immediately suspected.{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2005/jun/22/worlddispatch.syria|location=London |work=The Guardian |first=Brian|last=Whitaker|title=Beirut murder mystery|date=22 June 2005|access-date=3 March 2017}}

In the hours following the blast, individuals with strong ties to the Syrian government attempted to guide the Lebanese investigation toward a 22-year-old man of Palestinian origin named Ahmed Abu Addas.{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/News/dh/docs/mehlisreport|title= Report of the International Independent Investigation Commission established pursuant to Security Council resolution 1595 (2005)|work=para. 209|publisher=United Nations|access-date=3 March 2017|date=19 October 2005}} That theory was quickly discredited.

On 30 August 2005, four pro-Syrian Lebanese generals (some of whom had promoted the false Abu Addas theory{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/News/dh/docs/mehlisreport|title=Report of the International Independent Investigation Commission established pursuant to Security Council resolution 1595 (2005)|work=paras. 54, 58, 82|publisher=United Nations|access-date=3 March 2017|date=19 October 2005}}) were subsequently arrested under suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder.{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/News/dh/docs/mehlisreport|title=Report of the International Independent Investigation Commission established pursuant to Security Council resolution 1595 (2005)|work=para. 174|publisher=United Nations|access-date=3 March 2017|date=19 October 2005}} They were detained without charge by Lebanese authorities for four years and released by the STL when it took over the investigation in 2009.{{cite news| url=http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/04/29/lebanon.generals.released/ |work=CNN|title=Generals held in Hariri killing walk free |date=29 April 2005 |access-date=3 March 2017}} Mustafa Hamdan, former head of the Lebanese Presidential Guard brigade; Jamil al Sayyed, former Director-General of Security General; Ali al Hajj, director general of the Lebanese Internal Security Forces; and Raymond Azar, the former director of the Military Intelligence were released upon an order from the STL Pre-Trial Judge at the request of the Prosecutor due to lack of evidence.{{cite web|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/index.php?option=com_k2&id=567_ccbb859d8beb1432865098d926616f89&lang=en&task=download&view=item |title=Order Regarding the Detention of Persons Detained in Lebanon in Connection with the Case of the Attack against Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri and Others |publisher=STL Pre-Trial Chamber |access-date=3 March 2017|date=29 April 2009}} In making the request, the Prosecutor had considered "inconsistencies in the statements of key witnesses and of a lack of corroborative evidence to support these statements".{{cite web|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/index.php?option=com_k2&id=567_ccbb859d8beb1432865098d926616f89&lang=en&task=download&view=item |title=Order Regarding the Detention of Persons Detained in Lebanon in Connection with the Case of the Attack against Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri and Others |work=para. 34(vi) |publisher=STL Pre-Trial Chamber |access-date=3 March 2017|date=29 April 2009}}

In September 2010, Saad Hariri told the pan-Arab newspaper Asharq al-Awsat that "[a]t a certain stage we made mistakes and accused Syria of assassinating the martyred premier. This was a political accusation, and this political accusation has finished."{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-lebanon-hariri-idUSTRE68510420100906|title=Hariri says was wrong to accuse Syria over killing |publisher=Reuters|date=6 September 2010|access-date=3 March 2017}} He added that "[t]he tribunal is not linked to the political accusations, which were hasty... The tribunal will only look at evidence".

According to Al-Manar, a Hezbollah-affiliated Lebanese television station, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said Syria had been vindicated as most Lebanese did not believe Syria was responsible anymore since they had been misled.[http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=157640&language=en ‘Misled Lebanese Discovered Syria has No Link with Hariri’s Murder’] {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Within Lebanon, however, many Lebanese believe that Assad had Hariri killed because the latter demanded freedom from Syrian interference and occupation.{{cite news| url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/rafiq-hariri-tribunal-was-the-former-lebanon-pms-assassination-the-work-of-syrias-president-assad-10245381.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220524/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/rafiq-hariri-tribunal-was-the-former-lebanon-pms-assassination-the-work-of-syrias-president-assad-10245381.html |archive-date=24 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |work=The Independent |first=Robert |last=Fisk |title=Rafiq Hariri tribunal: Was the former Lebanon PM's assassination the work of Syria's President Assad? |date=12 May 2015|access-date=3 March 2017}}

"False witnesses" refer to witnesses who gave statements to UNIIIC investigators that were inconsistent and not corroborated by evidence.{{cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en_uk/article/general-jamil-sayyed | title=Why Was a Former Lebanese 'Spymaster' Trying to Become a UNESCO Delegate? |publisher=VICE | date=17 March 2014 |access-date=29 March 2017}} Critics consider that the "false witnesses" damaged the credibility of the STL, while Tribunal supporters believe the witnesses may have been planted to discredit the investigation.

Two "false witnesses," Mohammad Zuheir Siddiq and Husam Taher Husam, identified themselves as former Syrian intelligence officers and alleged top-level Syrian involvement in the killing of Hariri.{{cite news|last=Galey|first=Patrick|title=STL not investigating false witnesses, says tribunal's registrar on Twitter|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/Article.aspx?id=156295#axzz1gEqpHsSw|access-date=11 December 2011|newspaper=The Daily Star|date=8 December 2011}} Siddiq further accused Hezbollah personnel of "logistical involvement" in the murder.[https://web.archive.org/web/20110611064902/http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=1093321269 Former Syrian agent fingers Hezb men for Hariri hit] MenaFM.com 12 April 2010{{cite news|title=Siddiq: Syrian documents prove Hezbollah's involvement in Harir's murder|url=http://yalibnan.com/2010/09/15/siddiq-syrian-documents-prove-hezbollahs-involvement-in-harirs-murder|access-date=29 March 2017|newspaper=Ya Libnan|date=15 September 2010}}

In 2009, the STL Prosecution declared that the so-called false witnesses were no longer of interest to the Tribunal. Siddiq subsequently went into hiding in Europe.{{cite web|url=http://www.yalibnan.com/2010/04/12/former-syrian-agent-links-hezbollah-to-hariri-murder/ |title=Former Syrian agent links Hezbollah to Hariri murder |location=LB |publisher=Yalibnan.com |access-date=29 March 2017}}

The false witnesses issue sparked fierce political debate in Lebanon, with virtually all political leaders weighing in.{{cite web|url=http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=151402&language=en |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121203080103/http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=151402&language=en |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 December 2012 |title=STL Does Not Comment on Lebanese Government Decision | date = 23 August 2010 |publisher=Almanar.com.lb |access-date=8 October 2010}}{{cite web|url=http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=151568&language=en |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130111190554/http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=151568&language=en |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 January 2013 |title=Aoun Says Lawsuit Has Been Filed against False Witnesses |publisher=Almanar.com.lb |date=24 August 2010 |access-date=8 October 2010 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=154053&language=en |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130111222147/http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=154053&language=en |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 January 2013 |title=Intelligence Bureau's Chief Siddiq Testimony's Translator? |publisher=Almanar.com.lb |date=14 September 2010 |access-date=8 October 2010 }}[http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=157623&language=en Cabinet to Discuss Najjar’s Report as Hezbollah Sees Contradictions ] {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}[http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=157793&language=en Experts to Al-Manar: Najjar’s Report on False Witnesses Political] {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{cite web|url=http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=153256&language=en |title=Sheikh Qaouq: Trying False Witnesses Natural Solution to Crisis |date=7 September 2010 |publisher=Almanar.com.lb |access-date=8 October 2010 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}[http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=157266&language=en Patriarch Sfeir: False Witnesses Must be Held Accountable] {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}[http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=157465&language=en Jumblatt Rejects 'Silly' Calls for PM Saad Hariri's Resignation] {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, Secretary-General of Hezbollah, accused the STL and the UN of protecting the false witnesses{{cite web|url=http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=157412&language=en |title=Sayyed Nasrallah: Bellemare, UN Protecting False Witnesses |publisher=Al-ManarTV |access-date=9 February 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101012201852/http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=157412&language=en |archive-date=12 October 2010 }} and called for Siddiq to be arrested.{{cite web|url=https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/nownews/nasrallah_calls_for_arresting_siddiq |title=Nasrallah calls for arresting Siddiq |publisher=NOW Lebanon |date=30 April 2010 |access-date=29 March 2017 }} The Lebanese government appointed Justice Minister Ibrahim Najjar to study the issue.{{cite web|url=https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/interviews/geagea_to_now_lebanon_i_see_a_real_danger_that_could_take_the_country_back_to_before_2005|title=Geagea to NOW Lebanon: I see a real danger that could take the country back to before 2005 |publisher=NOW Lebanon |date=9 October 2010 |access-date=29 March 2017 }}

However, there were some prominent witnesses who testified on the political situation in Lebanon preceding Hariri's assassination, including: Marwan Hamade, Walid Jumblatt, Fouad Siniora and Jamil al Sayyed.{{cite web |url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/crs/assets/Uploads/20180516-F3665-PUBLIC-TC-Order-Oneissi-Prov-Sum-Facts-El-Sayyed-Web.pdf? |title=Order to the Oneissi Defence to Provide a Summary of Facts of Mr Jamil El-Sayyed's Expected Testimony |website=The Trial Chamber: Special Tribunal for Lebanon |pages=1, 3 |date=16 May 2018 }}

After the assassination of Rafic Hariri in 2005, four generals, including Jamil al Sayyed, were detained for suspected involvement.{{cite web|url= https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=30635#.WNu3sm-GPRY | title= Lebanese generals held in Hariri murder case granted release by UN-backed court |publisher= UN News Centre| date=29 April 2009 |access-date=30 March 2017}} The STL ordered the Lebanese authorities to release the generals when it was established in 2009,{{cite web|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/media/press-releases/110-order-of-the-pre-trial-judge-regarding-the-release-of-the-four-generals | title=Order of the Pre-Trial Judge regarding the release of the four Generals |publisher=STL | date=29 April 2009 |access-date=30 March 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/index.php?option=com_k2&id=567_ccbb859d8beb1432865098d926616f89&lang=en&task=download&view=item | title=ORDER REGARDING THE DETENTION OF PERSONS DETAINED IN LEBANON IN CONNECTION WITH THE CASE OF THE ATTACK AGAINST PRIME MINISTER RAFIQ HARIRI AND OTHERS |publisher=STL | date=29 April 2009 |access-date=30 March 2017}} after the testimony of the "false witnesses," the basis for the generals' detention, was discredited.

Saying that he lacked faith in the Lebanese judiciary, which had detained him for four years, al Sayyed filed a lawsuit in Damascus, Syria in December 2009, accusing Lebanese authorities of covering up for the "false witnesses".{{cite web|author=Batoul Wehbe |url=http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=156626&language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101017082441/http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=156626&language=en |archive-date=17 October 2010 |title=Syria Issues Arrest Warrants against Mehlis, Hamade, Hasan, Khashan and Others | date = 4 October 2010 |publisher=Almanar.com.lb |access-date=8 October 2010}} After repeated summons by Syria for the accused false witnesses were ignored, al-Sayyed's lawyer, {{sic|hide=y|Fasih}} al-Ashi, said a Syrian court issued more than 30 warrants{{cite web|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/10/201010433343457890.html |title=Syria orders arrests in Hariri case – Middle East |publisher=Al Jazeera English |date=4 October 2010 |access-date=8 October 2010}} against judges, officers, politicians and journalists from various Arab countries. Syria's Foreign Minister, Walid Muallem, however, said the warrants were "purely procedural."{{cite web|url=http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=157001&language=en |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130218224919/http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=157001&language=en |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 February 2013 |title=Syrian FM: Arrest Warrants Purely Procedural, STL Lebanese Affair |date=6 October 2010 |publisher=Almanar.com.lb |access-date=8 October 2010 }}

In 2010, al Sayyed requested that the STL Prosecutor disclose to him documents regarding his detention in Lebanon prior to the STL's establishment, including documents related to the "false witnesses."{{cite web|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/index.php?option=com_k2&id=458_1609fadeda545e674f46918a0aee0026&lang=en&task=download&view=item| title=DECISION ON PARTIAL APPEAL BY MR. EL SAYED OF PRE-TRIAL JUDGE'S DECISION OF 12 MAY 2011 |publisher=STL | date=19 July 2011 |access-date=30 March 2017}}

Soon after, in a press conference, al Sayyed attacked Prime Minister Saad Hariri, Rafic Hariri's son, calling on him to "take a lie detector test to prove he did not support or fund false witnesses in the Special Tribunal for Lebanon". He further called on the younger Hariri to "admit that he sold his father’s blood for four years in order to implement a new Middle East project.” Al Sayyed directed further comments at Saad Hariri by stating, "After all you have done to Syria, Bashar Assad hugged you rather than hanging you to death" and adding, "It's not enough for Hariri to admit that he erred, he has to pay the price of his mistakes". He also suggested that then-Prosecutor Daniel Bellemare should have summoned Hariri's political, security and judicial team and questioned them, then called on him and then STL President Antonio Cassese to resign. Al Sayyed alleged that despite some witnesses changing their testimony or having been found to be lying, the STL did not want to prosecute anyone as a false witness because "big heads would roll".{{cite web|url=http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=153737&language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100916203311/http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=153737&language=en|archive-date=2010-09-16 |title=Sayyed: Hariri's Team was Behind False Witnesses|publisher=Almanar.com.lb|date = 2010-09-12 |access-date=2010-10-08}} After he accused Saad Hariri of supporting the "false witnesses," on 12 September 2010, he called for Hariri to be held accountable or "I will do it someday with my own hands. The Lebanese people must unite against this [government] and topple it, even if by force."{{cite web|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/09/2010916145846926793.html |title=Lebanon summons general on comments |publisher=English.aljazeera.net |date=16 September 2010 |access-date=8 October 2010}} Al Sayyed was subsequently summoned by Lebanese authorities for questioning over "threats against the Lebanese state".{{cite web|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/09/2010916145846926793.html |title=Lebanon summons general on comments – Middle East |publisher=Al Jazeera English |date=16 September 2010 |access-date=8 October 2010}} Al Sayyed refused to respond to the summons, stating he "would not appear before any court unless Saeed Mirza, Lebanon’s general prosecutor, is dismissed."{{cite web|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/09/2010919113139470629.html |title=Lebanon general decries judiciary – Middle East |publisher=Al Jazeera English |date=19 September 2010 |access-date=8 October 2010}}

Al Sayyed subsequently filed a request with STL President Judge Cassese asking him to disqualify the STL Vice-President Judge Ralph Riachy from the proceedings because of the latter's involvement in his "arbitrary detention, the thing that raises questions about his integrity and impartiality."[http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=158888&language=en Al-ManarTV:: Sayyed Asks STL President to Disqualify Judge Ralph Riachy 20/10/2010] {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} The request was denied.{{cite web|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/media/press-releases/128-president-cassese-rejects-mr-jamil-el-sayeds-motions-to-disqualify-judges-riachy-and-chamseddine | title=President Cassese rejects Mr Jamil El Sayed's motions to disqualify Judges Riachy and Chamseddine |publisher=STL | date=5 November 2011 |access-date=30 March 2017}}

During oral hearings, al Sayyed criticized the STL for not prosecuting the false witnesses and said that a conspiracy was involved in the investigation of the assassination.{{cite web|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/fr/the-cases/in-the-matter-of-el-sayed/transcripts/download/1241_b92425f42cb1c7e9f5c1ac2c5128b27f | title=Hearing Transcript, 14 January 2011, In the Matter of El Sayed |publisher=STL | date=14 January 2011 |access-date=30 March 2017}}

On 12 May 2011, the STL Pre-Trial Judge ordered more than 270 documents to be released to al Sayyed to allow him to pursue his claim for wrongful detention in the Lebanese national courts.{{cite web|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/media/press-releases/353-pre-trial-judge-orders-the-release-of-documents-to-mr-el-sayed | title=Pre-Trial Judge orders the release of documents to Mr El Sayed |publisher=STL | date=12 May 2011 |access-date=30 March 2017}}

On 23 May 2009, Der Spiegel revealed that after investigations into mobile phones that seemed to follow Rafic Hariri in the days leading up to the attack and on the day of the assassination,{{efn|name="Eid"|Lebanese police captain Wissam Eid, who was assassinated in 2008, had uncovered five groups of cellphones involving scores of operatives related the assassination plot.{{cite web |author=Ronen Bergman |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/15/magazine/the-hezbollah-connection.html |title=The Hezbollah Connection |website=The New York Times |date=10 February 2015 }}}} investigators believed that Hezbollah forces planned and executed the attack.{{cite web|url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/breakthrough-in-tribunal-investigation-new-evidence-points-to-hezbollah-in-hariri-murder-a-626412.html | title=Breakthrough in Tribunal Investigation: New Evidence Points to Hezbollah in Hariri Murder |publisher=Der Spiegel | date=23 May 2009 |access-date=31 March 2017}} The article did not state the names of specific individuals who would be indicted.

The rumours caused considerable political controversy in Lebanon. Prime Minister Saad Hariri vowed "not to allow my father's blood to stir disunity in Lebanon."{{cite news|author=Lamis Andoni |url=http://english.aljazeera.net/focus/2010/08/201084142939589511.html|title=Border skirmish a 'fire douser' – Focus|newspaper=Al Jazeera|date=4 August 2010|access-date=8 October 2010}} In 2010, when media reported that senior Hezbollah operative Mustafa Badreddine was the main suspect, Hariri reportedly asked the Tribunal to postpone the announcement because of the potentially-incendiary implications for Lebanon.{{cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=183090|title=Hariri hit suspect is Hizbullah bigwig|newspaper=The Jerusalem Post|date=30 July 2010|access-date=3 August 2010}}

In September 2010, Prosecutor Daniel Bellemare stated that the indictment had not been drafted yet and would not be filed until he was satisfied there was enough evidence: "the impact of going too fast would be much worse. As I said before: The indictment has to be based on solid evidence".{{cite web|url=http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=152530&language=en |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130218221440/http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=152530&language=en |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 February 2013 |title=Bellemare: No Verdict in September, Indictment Not Drafted Yet |date=1 September 2010 |publisher=Almanar.com.lb |access-date=8 October 2010 }} Around the same time, Head of the Defence Office Francois Roux pointed out that an indictment was not a final decision or verdict and that in international criminal law (as in domestic criminal law), one could be found innocent even after an indictment.{{cite web|url=http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=152805&language=en |title=Tribunal Defense: Indictment is Just the Beginning, Not Final Verdict |date=3 September 2010 |publisher=Almanar.com.lb |access-date=8 October 2010 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} The STL in The Hague refused to discuss either political alliance's approach to the tribunal.{{cite news|url=http://old.naharnet.com/domino/tn/newsdesk.nsf/0/2A736A5816482D3FC22577C300229A7A?OpenDocument|title=STL Reality in The Hague Contradicts Beirut Wishes to Eliminate Tribunal|newspaper=Naharnet|access-date=12 December 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130411103306/http://old.naharnet.com/domino/tn/newsdesk.nsf/0/2A736A5816482D3FC22577C300229A7A?OpenDocument|archive-date=11 April 2013}} Al Akhbar reported that following pressure from the United States on its Lebanese allies not to bargain over the STL, it would issue its first round of indictments in March 2011.[http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=159224&language=en Al-ManarTV:: STL to Postpone Indictment till March: Al Akhbar 23 October 2010] {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

The confidential indictment was filed on 17 January 2011{{cite web|url= https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/media/press-releases/210-stl-prosecutor-submits-an-indictment-to-the-pre-trial-judge | title= STL Prosecutor submits an indictment to the Pre-Trial Judge |publisher=STL | date=17 January 2011 |access-date=31 March 2017}} and confirmed on 28 June 2011.{{cite web|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/media/press-releases/488-confirmed-indictment-submitted-to-the-lebanese-authorities | title=Confirmed indictment submitted to the Lebanese authorities |publisher=STL | date=30 June 2011 |access-date=31 March 2017}} The identities of those indicted were not officially revealed until a month later, and the full indictment was not unsealed until August. In the meantime, prior to the official announcement, the media had widely reported that Hezbollah members Mustafa Badreddine, Salim al-Ayyash, Assad Sabra and Hassan Oneissi had been charged.

Reacting to rumours that Hezbollah members would be indicted for Hariri's assassination, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah condemned the investigation as an Israeli project intended to escalate tensions in Lebanon and that any indictment of a Hezbollah member could destabilise the unity of the government.{{cite news|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/region/lebanon/what-are-syria-s-interests-in-lebanon-1.661629|title=What are Syria's interests in Lebanon?|newspaper=Gulf News|date=30 July 2010|access-date=3 August 2010}} He also said he would resist any attempt to arrest even "half a member" of the party. He had previously questioned the alleged funding for the STL.

Others reacted differently. Maronite patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir called the STL "fair and righteous."[https://archive.today/20130219005842/http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=148382&language=en Sfeir Says International Tribunal Fair and Righteous]

With rhetoric escalating on all sides, many political leaders in Lebanon worried that the indictment of Hezbollah members could destabilize the country and lead to civil strife.{{cite news|url=http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArchiveDetails.aspx?ID=188838#ixzz0vCffH0aB |title=Alain Aoun calls for unity amid domestic political tension|newspaper=NOW Lebanon|date=26 July 2010|access-date=3 August 2010}}{{cite web|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=117542#ixzz0vCabX8Uj|title=The Daily Star|date=28 July 2010|access-date=3 August 2010}}{{cite news|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/07/201072962514334582.html|title=Assad 'to attend' summit in Lebanon|newspaper=Al Jazeera|date=29 July 2010|access-date=3 August 2010}}{{cite web|url=http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=151392&language=en |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130219034327/http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=151392&language=en |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 February 2013 |title=Hariri's Murder Designed to Implicate Syria, Explode Lebanon |publisher=Al Manar |date=23 August 2010 |access-date=8 October 2010 }}{{cite news|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/09/201092323209682399.html |title=Hariri case 'could cause civil war'|newspaper=Al Jazeera|date=24 September 2010|access-date=8 October 2010}}

On 30 July 2010, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Saudi King Abdullah and Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani visited Lebanon to calm tensions.{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=35486&Cr=leban&Cr1=|title=Lebanon: UN envoy welcomes visit by leaders of Saudi Arabia and Syria|publisher=United Nations|date=30 July 2010|access-date=3 August 2010}} It was Assad's first visit to Lebanon since Hariri's assassination. The meeting was praised as symbolic{{cite news|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/07/201073064353113444.html|title=Beirut talks call for Lebanon unity|newspaper=Al Jazeera|access-date=3 August 2010}} but crucial to avoiding violence.{{cite web|last=Yazbeck|first=Natacha |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iamDrRWfdW0R9uV6DBFb6Snky2Bg|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100726125408/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iamDrRWfdW0R9uV6DBFb6Snky2Bg|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 July 2010|title=AFP: Lebanon on edge after Hezbollah revelation|date=23 July 2010|access-date=3 August 2010}} Hezbollah-affiliated news station Al-Manar hailed the visit and said Lebanon remained divided over the STL's course of action.{{cite news|author=Hussein Assi |url=http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=148526&language=en |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121203062756/http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=148526&language=en |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 December 2012 |title=Abdullah, Assad in Beirut in Unprecedented, Historic Visit |date=30 July 2010 |newspaper=Almanar |access-date=3 August 2010 }}

Still, tensions remained. In September 2010, As-Safir surveyed Lebanese opinion on the STL and documents that Nasrallah had submitted purporting to show the involvement of Israel in the assassination. The results showed that 60% believed the international probe was politicised, unfair and biased, and 43% supported an amendment in the method and the style of the investigation to be more impartial and neutral; 17% also called for a complete abolition of the STL; 55% viewed the documents submitted by Nasrallah as convincing evidence of the suspicion of Israel. Almost half the respondents (49%) also said that they did not want to accuse any side in the killing, while 34% considered Israel to be behind the assassination and 5% accused the CIA and Mossad.{{cite web|url=http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=151338&language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100909082425/http://almanar.com.lb/NewsSite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=151338&language=en|archive-date=9 September 2010|title=60% of Lebanese Say STL Politicized, Unfair|date=23 August 2010|publisher=Al Manar|access-date=8 October 2010}}

The same month, Suleiman Frangieh warned that indictments against Hezbollah could mean "there is war in Lebanon... and today the atmosphere is just waiting for a spark. If the international tribunal [issues] a 'sectarian' decision, then yes, why don't we cancel it?” He also suggested the STL was undermining Lebanon's stability instead of maintaining justice.[http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=159732&language=en Al-ManarTV: Aoun: STL Undermining Stability Rather Than Maintaining Justice 26/10/2010] {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Walid Jumblatt also expressed "fears [of] the dangerous repercussions" of an indictment during a visit to Syria.[http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=159456&language=en Al-ManarTV: Al-Akhbar: Jumblatt Told Assad His Position Determined, He Fears STL 25 October 2010] {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Syria's Foreign Minister, Walid Muallem, also expressed concern about the situation saying it was coordinating with Saudi Arabia over the "worrisome situation," but he added that "Lebanon alone can remove the factors that are causing instability." He also said "Whoever is interested in Lebanon's stability should work on preventing the tribunal's politicization."{{cite news|url=http://www.almanar.com.lb/newsSite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=157337&language=en |title=Muallem: Situation in Lebanon Worrisome, Coordination with KSA Ongoing |newspaper=Al-ManarTV |access-date=9 February 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101014190359/http://www.almanar.com.lb/newsSite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=157337&language=en |archive-date=14 October 2010 }} In September 2010, a Hezbollah MP told the parliamentary Finance and Budget Commission that the Tribunal should be abolished by the end of the month "otherwise the matter will be very dangerous."{{cite news|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2010-09/17/c_13515967.htm|title=Hezbollah MP calls for abolishing Hariri's tribunal|newspaper=Xinhuanet|access-date=8 October 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106225953/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2010-09/17/c_13515967.htm|archive-date=6 November 2012}} Around the same time, Saad Hariri reiterated his support for a "strategic relationship" with Syria and also said he would not back down from supporting the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.{{cite web|url=http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=154822&language=en |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121203084834/http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=154822&language=en |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 December 2012 |title=Hariri Returns to Beirut, Will Address the Lebanon within Two Days |publisher=Almanar |date=20 September 2010 |access-date=8 October 2010 }}

;UN reaction

In reaction to attacks on the Tribunal, then-United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on political leaders in Lebanon not to interfere in the STL's affairs. However, he refused to discuss the status of the STL after Saad Hariri's acknowledgement of false witnesses. He told the press that the STL had made progress, while saying the Tribunal was independent, and "should not be associated with any political statements," adding that the Tribunal was "not in danger."{{cite news|url=http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=154068&language=en |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130218234508/http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=154068&language=en |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 February 2013 |title=Ban Wants Lebanese Politicians to Stop Interfering in STL |date=14 September 2010 |newspaper=Almanar |access-date=8 October 2010 }} Citing the STL's "independence" and dismissing fears of violence, he said "I want to be perfectly clear. This tribunal... [has] a clear mandate from the Security Council to uncover the truth and end impunity. I urge all Lebanese and regional parties not to prejudge the outcome, nor to interfere in the tribunal's work. ... It will go on."{{cite web|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/10/20101071254383435.html |title=Ban: Hariri probe to press ahead – Middle East |publisher=Al Jazeera English |access-date=8 October 2010}}

;Fall of government

The Lebanese government collapsed in January 2011 after 11 cabinet ministers aligned with the March 8 alliance, and one presidential appointee, withdrew over Prime Minister Saad Hariri's refusal to reject the STL.{{cite news|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/01/20111148327398443.html|title=Hariri vows to solve Lebanon crisis|newspaper=Al Jazeera|access-date=12 December 2011}} Six months later a new government was formed composed of 8 March members and the former 14 March's Progressive Socialist Party under Prime Minister Najib Mikati, after the latter won a majority of votes in parliament.{{cite news|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/video/middleeast/2011/01/201111916522349218.html |title=Lebanon tense as Saudi quits talks|newspaper=Al Jazeera|access-date=12 December 2011}}

Following Israel's Channel 1 announcement of the names and positions of alleged suspects, Hezbollah's news outlet, Al-Manar, opined that the Special Tribunal for Lebanon was an opportunity for Israel to achieve its 'unachieved' goals in Lebanon.{{cite news|author=Hussein Assi |url=http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=148535&language=en |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121203083443/http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=148535&language=en |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 December 2012 |title=Israel Doesn't Surrender: Hezbollah behind Hariri's Murder! |newspaper=Almanar |date=30 July 2010 |access-date=3 August 2010 }}

In a news conference on 9 August 2010, Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah denied Hezbollah's involvement in the assassination and claimed to have evidence that Israel was behind the attack.{{cite web|url=http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/nasrallah-israel-used-secret-agent-to-turn-lebanon-gov-t-against-hezbollah-1.307008 | title=Nasrallah: Israel Used Secret Agent to Turn Lebanon Gov't Against Hezbollah |publisher=Ha’aretz | date=9 August 2010 |access-date=3 April 2017}} This allegedly included an audio recording of an alleged Israeli agent and intercepted Israeli aerial drone footage of the route Hariri took before the explosion.{{cite web|url= http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/lebanon-pm-un-must-probe-claims-of-israeli-complicity-in-hariri-murder-1.307587 | title= Lebanon PM: UN Must Probe Claims of Israeli Complicity in Hariri Murder |publisher=Ha’aretz | date=12 August 2010 |access-date=3 April 2017}} Nasrallah stated that Israel wanted to assassinate Hariri to create political chaos and force Syria to withdraw from Lebanon.

Following the press conference, the STL Prosecution "requested Lebanese authorities to provide all the information in possession of" Nasrallah, including video material showed at the news conference and "any other material that would be of assistance to the Office of the Prosecutor in unveiling the truth".{{cite web|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/en/media/press-releases/58-the-office-of-the-prosecutor-of-the-special-tribunal-for-lebanon-seeks-information-held-by-hezbollah-secretary-general-hassan-nasrallah | title=The Office of the Prosecutor of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon seeks Information held by Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah |publisher=STL | date=11 August 2010 |access-date=3 April 2017}} It also invited Nasrallah "to use his authority to facilitate [the] investigation".

Hezbollah subsequently submitted materials to the Lebanese authorities, who then passed it on to the STL Prosecutor's office.{{cite web|url= http://yalibnan.com/2010/08/19/bellemare-is-carefully-examining-hezbollah-evidence/ | title= Bellemare is carefully examining Hezbollah evidence |publisher=YaLibnan | date=19 August 2010 |access-date=3 April 2017}} An STL spokesperson confirmed that Prosecutor Daniel Bellemare was "carefully examining" the data.

Calling the potential evidence "important and very sensitive", then-Prime Minister Saad Hariri stated that "I personally am in favor of a deep discussion of the details, because it is very important to me to find out the truth both as prime minister and as [Rafic] Hariri's son". He reportedly said the STL should consider Nasrallah's allegations since his words reflected the views of many in Lebanon.

The indictment's heavy reliance on telecommunications data raised questions upon its release in 2011; many Lebanese officials considered the evidence compromised due to infiltration by a number of intelligence agencies, including Israel's.{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2011/11/201111295498547664.html | title=Lebanon's intelligence war |publisher=Al Jazeera | date=2 December 2011 |access-date=3 April 2017}} The telecommunications data remains a fundamental part of the Prosecution's case.{{cite web|url=https://www.stl-tsl.org/index.php?option=com_k2&id=9307_0b8cf1a04c5da00b9eea9e9c0c512bbf&lang=en&task=download&view=item | title=STL Bulletin – January 2017 |publisher=STL | date=January 2017 |access-date=3 April 2017}}

On 27 October 2010, a team composed of two STL investigators and their translator, escorted by Lebanese security forces, came to interview Dr. Iman Charara at her clinic, located in the prominently Shi'ite Hezbollah stronghold in Beirut, the Dahieh district. At this time, there were unconfirmed reports that the Tribunal was planning to indict members of Hezbollah.{{cite news|url=http://old.naharnet.com/domino/tn/NewsDesk.nsf/Lebanon/144749C636802B33C22577CA0020B604?OpenDocument|title=Men Disguised as Women Likely Involved in Attack on UN Investigators in Dahiyeh|newspaper=Naharnet|date=14 February 2005|access-date=12 December 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110816024955/http://old.naharnet.com/domino/tn/NewsDesk.nsf/Lebanon/144749C636802B33C22577CA0020B604?OpenDocument|archive-date=16 August 2011}} Upon the team's arrival, a crowd of people clad in veils with their faces covered, believed to be mostly men dressed in women's clothes,{{cite news|url=http://yalibnan.com/2010/10/28/men-disguised-as-women-attacked-stl-investigators-report/|title=Men disguised as women attacked STL investigators, report|publisher=Ya Libnan|date=28 October 2010|access-date=20 February 2017}} attacked them and stole several items.{{cite news|url=https://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2010/10/27/123930.html |title=Crowd attacks UN's Hariri's case investigators in Beirut |publisher=Al Arabiya|date=27 October 2010|access-date=20 February 2017}}{{cite news|url=https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/archive/stl_denounces_use_of_violence_against_its_investigators1 |title=STL denounces use of violence against its investigators |publisher=NOW|date=27 October 2010|access-date=20 February 2017}} The investigators and female translator were extracted by the Lebanese army and subsequently received medical attention.

Following the incident, Charara stated that she had cancelled all appointments for the day, in anticipation of the investigation team's visit, and that she could not ascertain the cause of the clash.{{cite news|url=http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArchiveDetails.aspx?ID=211606|title=Dahiyeh doctor: I don't know how the clash erupted|newspaper=NOW Lebanon|date=27 October 2010|access-date=12 December 2011}} She has further stated that the investigators came to obtain the phone numbers of 14-17 of her patients.{{cite news|url=http://old.naharnet.com/domino/tn/NewsDesk.nsf/0/C7A26038A98EAA52C22577C9006CE85C?OpenDocument|title=STL Describes Dahiyeh Incident as 'Deplorable Attempt to Obstruct Justice'|newspaper=Naharnet|access-date=12 December 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130411103607/http://old.naharnet.com/domino/tn/NewsDesk.nsf/0/C7A26038A98EAA52C22577C9006CE85C?OpenDocument|archive-date=11 April 2013}}

The incident prompted reactions from 14 March members, who expressed strong support for the Tribunal, while criticising the incident and accusing Hezbollah of orchestrating it.{{cite news|url=http://old.naharnet.com/domino/tn/NewsDesk.nsf/Lebanon/0331A5B77D255E8DC22577CB00209700?OpenDocument|title=Mustaqbal Sources: Dahiyeh Incident Coordinated|newspaper=Naharnet|access-date=12 December 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130411110424/http://old.naharnet.com/domino/tn/NewsDesk.nsf/Lebanon/0331A5B77D255E8DC22577CB00209700?OpenDocument|archive-date=11 April 2013}}{{cite news|url=http://old.naharnet.com/domino/tn/NewsDesk.nsf/Lebanon/07258705B5A43326C22577C90045E2DD?OpenDocument|title=Women in Dahiyeh Gynecology Clinic Clash with STL Investigators|newspaper=Naharnet|date=14 February 2005|access-date=12 December 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130411110322/http://old.naharnet.com/domino/tn/NewsDesk.nsf/Lebanon/07258705B5A43326C22577C90045E2DD?OpenDocument|archive-date=11 April 2013}}{{cite news|url=http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=211994|title=Girl power|newspaper=NOW Lebanon|date=28 October 2010 |access-date=12 December 2011}}{{cite news|url=http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArchiveDetails.aspx?ID=211577|title=Women in Dahiyeh clinic clash with STL investigators|newspaper=NOW Lebanon|date=27 October 2010|access-date=12 December 2011}} Hezbollah, in turn, vehemently denied the charges, criticising the Tribunal's violation of the privacy of the Lebanese people.{{cite news|url=http://old.naharnet.com/domino/tn/NewsDesk.nsf/0/5F465BDF5DA78095C22577CA001CBCAD?OpenDocument|title=Hizbullah: We Are Not Involved in Attack on STL Investigators|newspaper=Naharnet|access-date=12 December 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106153926/http://old.naharnet.com/domino/tn/NewsDesk.nsf/0/5F465BDF5DA78095C22577CA001CBCAD?OpenDocument|archive-date=6 January 2014}} In a televised speech the day after the incident, Nasrallah escalated his previous attacks on the Tribunal as an American-Israeli scheme and stated that cooperation with the Tribunal was tantamount to attacking the Resistance, prompting condemnations from the majority March 14 Alliance as well as the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.{{cite news|url=http://old.naharnet.com/domino/tn/NewsDesk.nsf/0/42E16C8E938E9F2AC22577CB004A176F?OpenDocument|title=New York Times: Nasrallah's Speech is Additional Pressure on the Weak Government|newspaper=Naharnet|access-date=12 December 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130411102811/http://old.naharnet.com/domino/tn/NewsDesk.nsf/0/42E16C8E938E9F2AC22577CB004A176F?OpenDocument|archive-date=11 April 2013}} The United Nations Secretary-General condemned the attack and called the acts of interference and intimidation unacceptable.{{cite news|url=https://www.un.org/press/en/2010/sgsm13211.doc.htm |title=Secretary-General, Condemning Intimidation of Lebanon Tribunal Investigators, Calls on All Parties to Refrain from Interfering in Its Work |publisher=United Nations |date=29 October 2010|access-date=20 February 2017}}

On 18 August 2020, the Special Tribunal for Lebanon concluded that there was no evidence that the leadership of Hezbollah or Syria were involved in the assassination of Rafic Hariri. One of the four Hezbollah suspects, Salim Ayyash, was found guilty on the basis of conspiracy to commit a terrorist act, but he is unlikely to serve any prison time since Hezbollah has vowed never to hand over any suspects.{{cite web |url=https://www.euronews.com/2020/08/18/un-backed-court-to-issue-verdicts-in-lebanon-s-hariri-murder-case |title=Hariri verdict: One guilty, three acquitted over 2005 assassination of former Lebanese PM |website=euronews.com |date=18 August 2020 }} However, three other defendants were acquitted due to insufficient evidence.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-53601710 |title=Rafik Hariri tribunal: Guilty verdict over assassination of Lebanon ex-PM |website=BBC |date=18 August 2020 }}

In addition, the tribunal could not figure out who was the suicide bomber whose body parts were recovered from the scene, nor the people who facilitated the operation; however, they indicated that Hezbollah members were observing the target, based on data from mobile phones allegedly used by the plotters.{{cite web |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20200818-lebanon-tribunal-says-no-evidence-hezbollah-leadership-involved-in-hariri-murder |title=Lebanon tribunal convicts Hezbollah member in 2005 Hariri murder but exonerates group's leadership |website=France 24 |date=18 August 2020 }}{{efn|name="Eid"}}

On 11 December 2020, the Special Tribunal for Lebanon sentenced Salim Ayyash, to five concurrent terms of life in prison in absentia for his role in the assassination of Rafic Hariri.{{cite web |url=https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20201211-un-backed-court-sentences-hezbollah-man-to-life-in-lebanon-s-hariri-assassination-case |title=Hezbollah militant sentenced to life in Lebanon's Hariri assassination case |website=France 24 |date=11 December 2020 }}

On 16 June 2022, Habib Merhi and Hussein Oneissi were also sentenced to life imprisonment in absentia, despite an appeal made earlier in March that year.{{cite web |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2104401/middle-east |title=Rafic Hariri's killers to be sentenced as end looms for Lebanon court |website=Arab News |date=16 June 2022 }}

On December 31, 2023, the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) officially ceased operations after 15 years, following a prolonged struggle with financial difficulties. These challenges, rooted in Lebanon's severe economic crisis, had plagued the tribunal since 2021. Despite UN Secretary-General António Guterres' appeals for international contributions to keep the tribunal running, funding shortfalls ultimately led to its closure. Established in 2009 to investigate the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and other linked attacks, the STL concluded its mission without fully achieving its goals.

• Rafic Hariri
• Assassination of Rafic Hariri
• 2005 Lebanon bombings
• United Nations International Independent Investigation Commission
• List of attacks in Lebanon

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

• [http://www.stl-tsl.org/ Official Website of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon]
• [http://legal.un.org/avl/ha/abunal/abunal.html Procedural history, related documents and photos] on the Agreement between the United Nations and the Lebanese Republic on the establishment of a Special Tribunal for Lebanon in the [http://legal.un.org/avl/historicarchives.html Historic Archives of the United Nations Audiovisual Library of International Law]

;Analysis

• [https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/15/magazine/the-hezbollah-connection.html?_r=0 The Hezbollah Connection] – Ronen Bergman. New York Times (10 February 2015).
• [http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=82661&MID=12&PID=2. Tribunal dynamics] – Hanin Ghaddar. NOW Lebanon (4 March 2009).
• [http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/opinion/2010/10/2010107114613853292.html Lebanon's JFK: who killed Hariri?] – Larbi Sadiki. Al Jazeera English (8 October 2010).
• [https://archive.today/20130222174911/http://m.rnw.nl/international-justice/node/91706 STL: The Price for Justice] – Martin Waehlisch. International Justice Tribune (22 November 2011).

{{International Criminal Law}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Special Tribunal For Lebanon}}

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Category:Assassination of Rafic Hariri