STL Pre-Trial Judge, Daniel Fransen, confirmed the indictments

The Special Tribunal for Lebanon ( STL) has issued a press release on June 30 confirming that The Pre-Trial Judge, Daniel Fransen, confirmed the indictment relating to the assassination of Rafiq Hariri and others on 28 June 2011 . The press release was issued after the Lebanese authorities announced that they have received a confirmed indictment.

The Pre-Trial Judge, Daniel Fransen, confirmed an indictment relating to the assassination of Rafiq Hariri and others on 28 June 2011. The indictment and accompanying arrest warrant(s) were transmitted to the Lebanese authorities on 30 June 2011. This announcement follows a declaration by the Lebanese authorities that they have received a confirmed indictment.

The confirmation of the indictment means that Judge Fransen is satisfied that there is prima facie evidence for this case to proceed to trial. This is not a verdict of guilt and any accused person is presumed innocent unless his or her guilt is established at trial.

At this time, the STL has no comment on the identity or identities of the person or persons named in the indictment. Indeed, Judge Fransen has ruled that the indictment shall remain confidential in order to assist the Lebanese authorities in fulfilling their obligations to arrest the accused.

UN Security Council Resolution 1757 and the provisions of its annexes are clear on the steps that must be taken by the Lebanese authorities. These include the service of the indictment on the accused person or persons, their arrest and detention, as well as their transfer to the STL.

Under the STL’s Rules of Procedure and Evidence, the Lebanese authorities have to report to the STL on the measures that they have taken to arrest the accused, at least within 30 days of the submission of the indictment.

The Prosecutor of the STL submitted an indictment, for review by Judge Fransen, on 17th January 2011 and subsequently amended it three times – on 11th March, 6th May and 10th June 2011 (the latter at the request of the Pre-Trial Judge).