STL amends certain tribunal rules

Judges of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, in charge of Hariri’s assassination case, 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 particularly in relation to victims, it added. According to the statement, the changes allow the Prosecution, Defence and the Victims’ Participation Unit to make submissions on requests from victims wishing to participate in the proceedings. 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, given that that such decision cannot be appealed. It has also been made easier for victims who participate in the proceedings to appear as witnesses before the tribunal. The Judges also decided that the Prosecution must immediately inform the head of the Defence Office bout the arrest of a suspect or an accused, said the statement. The amended Rules of Procedures and Evidence can be viewed on STL’s website.