STL President Baragwanath pledges fair trials, protection of victims and witnesses

The President of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon Sir David Baragwanath issued on Thursday a statement after his four-day trip to Lebanon, where he met with President Michel Sleiman, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Prime Minister-Designate Tammam Salam, Minister of Justice Shakib Qortbawi, Chief Justice Judge Jean Fahed, Prosecutor General Hatem Madi, as well as young judges and leaders of the Beirut Bar Association, including present and former Bâtonniers.             

Baragwanath expressed his gratitude to all parties for the support accorded to the STL in order to pursue its work, noting that he briefed the officials on the developments achieved at the tribunal so far. He reiterated that the need to postpone the tentative March 25 trial start date was to ensure that the judicial proceedings are fair.           

“I also discussed the recent anonymous publication of information which purportedly relate to alleged witnesses. The Tribunal has condemned such interferences in the proper administration of judicial proceedings. I informed Lebanese officials of our actions in this respect and in turn I received their reassurance of Lebanon’s cooperation with the STL’s response,” he added.                   

“This concerted campaign by a few to undermine the work of the Tribunal makes us more determined to fulfill our mandate. We will ensure a trial that is fair, expeditious and conducted with full respect for the rights of the accused and due regard for the protection of victims and witnesses,” he said.