Public meeting of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon to discuss revealing documents

Pre-trial proceedings in the Special Tribunal for Lebanon commenced on Friday to discuss security measures and confidentiality for those affected by the assassination of Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.            

Judge Daniel Fransen stressed on the need to reveal the identity of those affected and willing, calling representatives of the victims to accelerate the development of protective measures for those who desire anonymity.                               

The prosecutor asked that all requests of those affected be implemented by the end of next month to which Judge Francine responded that he would decide on the time.          

The argument reportedly escalated between Judge Francine, the prosecution and the defense upon discussing the issue of the disclosure of evidence by the prosecution to the defense.               

The prosecution pointed out that it revealed tens of thousands of pages of documents and would reveal greater numbers, including some reports prepared by the prosecution related to this communique. Some reports are allegedly prepared by experts abroad but do not state a difference content of the reports. In a related context, the defense reportedly expressed wonder at the delay in the preparation of the reports of the four Hezbollah suspects.                                     

Judge Francine the expressed concern at the noncompliance to set dates for the submission of reports and documents to the defense, especially since the defense requested all evidential documents be provided prior to November 15. 

Consequently Judge Francine said that he would have to determine the deadlines if things continue as they are by Wednesday.                   

The session then turned into a closed door meeting after discussions  turned to the subject of telephone communication data.