STL Issues Public Arrest Warrant against Fifth Suspect in Hariri Assassination
The Special Tribunal for Lebanon made a public service announcement on Monday on the reveal of the fifth suspect linked to the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
"A new arrest warrant has been issued for Mr. Hassan Habib Merhi, who is accused to have been involved in the 14 February 2005 attack in Beirut,” it said.
The STL's Prosecutor alleges that Merhi participated in the conspiracy to kill Hariri and 21 others, as well as in the attempted homicide of 226 persons.
The full account of the charges can be found on the Tribunal’s website.
“This message is part of a public advertisement campaign to inform the accused of his rights and to also invite the public to submit any information on the whereabouts of the accused to the Lebanese authorities,” it continued.
“The proceedings will be conducted according to the highest international standards. The STL Judges will convict an accused only if guilt is established beyond reasonable doubt,” it stressed.
The Tribunal’s President, Judge Sir David Baragwanath, reminds the accused of their right to participate in the proceedings. By participating, the accused can fully defend themselves against the charges and evidence presented against them.
“Other international arrest warrants have been issued for Mr. Salim Jamil Ayyash, Mr. Mustafa Amine Badreddine, Mr. Hussein Hassan Oneissi and Mr. Assad Hassan Sabra in their alleged role in the 14 February 2005 attack. The tentative date for the start of trial of the four accused is scheduled for 13 January 2014,” said the statement.
Click here to download the audio message:
http://www.stl-tsl.org/images/stories/audio/14102013_radio_message_web_EN.mp3
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