Lebanon Tribunal to start trial of Hariri case

The Trial Chamber of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) announced Monday that it has scheduled the start of trial of the case linked with the killing of ex-Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri for Thursday January 16. The trial will commence at 9:30 AM (CET) with opening statements by the Prosecutor, the Legal Representatives of the victims participating in the proceedings, as well as opening statements, if any, for the Defence. Opening statements are expected to last for a few days, said the STL in a statement. Five Lebanese members of Hizbollah group stand accused for the killing of Hariri in a car bomb blast in Beirut in 2005. Accreditation is required for all members of the media who wish to cover the trial. Journalists have to send their accreditation before 10 January, it noted. The STL is based in Leidschendam, outside the Hague.