STL contempt case against Al Jadeed, Karma Khayat slated for Nov. 3

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Nicola Lettieri, the Contempt Judge at the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, has scheduled a pre-trial conference in the case against Al Jadeed S.A.L./NEW T.V. S.A.L. and Ms Karma Mohamed Tahsin Al Khayat for Monday the 3rd of November at 16:30 (CET).

The Amicus Curiae Prosecutor submitted his remarks on the start of trial on the 23rd of October, noting that he needs 4 to 5 weeks the least to prepare for the trial including arranging the appearance of witnesses.

On 23 October, the counsel for Al Jadeed S.A.L./ NEW T.V. S.A.L. and Ms Karma Al Khayat noted that starting trial prior to February 2015 would undermine the fair trial rights of the Accused.

According to Rule 127, at a pre-trial conference the Contempt Judge may give directions with regards to the trial, including determining the number of witnesses and the time available for the presentation of evidence.

The STL had subpoenaed Karma Mohamed Tahsin al Khayat from Al-Jadeed TV, as well as the station's parent company New TV S.A.L., to appear before the tribunal on two counts of Contempt and Obstruction of Justice.

Ibrahim Mohamed Al Amin from Al Akhbar, as well as the newspaper's parent company Akhbar Beirut S.A.L. have been summoned on one count of Contempt and Obstruction of Justice.

The accused are being charged under Rule 60 bis (A) of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence and all the charges relate to the Ayyash et al. case.

Lebanese journalists have held gatherings and protests to voice solidarity with Ibrahim al-Amin and Karma Khayat.

They highlighted the need to uphold the principles of freedom in the media and condemned the decision of the STL to summon the mentioned journalists.

The Special Tribunal for Lebanon was set up by the United Nations at the Lebanese government's request to try the alleged perpetrators of the 2005 bombing in which former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and 21 others were killed.

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STL contempt case against Al-Jadeed, Karma Khayat slated for Nov. 3