STL Amends Some of its Rules of Procedure and Evidence

The judges of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon have approved some amendments to the tribunal's Rules of Procedure and Evidence, said the STL in a statement on Monday.

There were a limited number of changes, which clarified the existing rules especially in relation to victims, it added.

The changes allow the Prosecution, Defense and the Victims’ Participation Unit to make submissions on requests from victims wishing to participate in the proceedings, it stated.

Submissions are limited to legal issues to protect the confidentiality of victims’ applications.

In addition, the pre-trial judge has been given the authority in deciding on the grouping of victims wishing to participate in the proceedings.

“This decision cannot be appealed,” said the statement.

Another change makes it easier for victims who participate in the proceedings to also appear as witnesses before the tribunal.

“The Judges also decided that the Prosecution must immediately inform the head of the Defense Office Francois Roux about the arrest of a suspect or an accused,” said the statement.

This will strengthen the rights of the Defense, it explained.