Aoun quits STL

Deputy head of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon’s (STL) Defense Office, Alia Aoun, has informed the Registrar that she intends to return to practice as an attorney.

Eight defense lawyers were named by STL to represent the four Hezbollah members indicted by the STL in the murder of former Lebanese PM Rafik Hariri who was assassinated on February 14, 2005.

STL issued the following press release on Tuesday confirming her departure.

Leidschendam, 10 April 2012 – The Deputy Head of the Defence Office, Alia Aoun, has informed the Registrar of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon that she intends to return to practice as an attorney.

“Following the start of the judicial phase of the STL on the 1 February 2012, it is now primarily for the Defence Counsel to ensure the protection of the rights of the accused and equitable justice”, said Ms Aoun.

“As the Deputy Head of the Defence Office, I have helped to prepare the ground for the development of a judicial process that is fair and respectful of all parties.”

“Throughout my term I have been acutely aware of the importance of our work to the Lebanese people. It is my hope that the Special Tribunal for Lebanon will continue to fulfill its mandate through the professionalism and devotion of the Tribunal’s staff”, Ms Aoun added.

Alia Aoun will return to practice as an attorney in Paris where she will continue to pursue the promotion of the rule of law in Lebanon and the wider Arab world.