STL Suspends Sessions Awaiting the Readiness of Merhi's Defense for Trials

The Special Tribunal for Lebanon suspended on Wednesday its sessions after the case of fifth suspect Hassan Merhi was joined to that of the four already convicted fugitives.

"We will announce the date of the upcoming session once Merhi's defense team has prepared all the necessary documents and is ready to take part in the trials,” STL Presiding Judge David Re announced.

"We also have to discuss several matters with (Pre-Trial Judge) Daniel Fransen,” Re added.

The Trial Chamber of the STL had approved on Tuesday a request from the Prosecution to join the case against the accused Merhi to the case against Salim Ayyash, Mustafa Badreddine, Assad Sabra and Hussein Oneissi, whose in absentia trial had started on January 16.

All of the five accused are indicted for their alleged role in the February 14, 2005 attack that killed former premier Rafik Hariri and 22 other people.

During Wednesday's session, the defense team objected several logistical procedures adopted by the Trial Chamber, refusing the fragmentation of trials.

“We oppose the fragmentation of trials and conduct ethics oblige us to acquaint ourselves with all the aspects of the case,” Merhi' defense lawyer Mohamed Aouini said.

“We must be able to cross-examine the witnesses and we can't just attend for the sake of attendance,” he stressed.

Aouini then requested to have “a certain reasonable period to look into all the files of the case.”

Meanwhile, STL Prosecutor Norman Farrell said that Merhi's defense team may need six to seven months to prepare their files on the case

Merhi's defense, however, said that they cannot determine the time they need to prepare their case.

Judge Re granted suspect Merhi's defense until February 21 to present a written request to amend the trial procedures.

Head of the STL Defense Office Francois Roux pointed out during the session that his office's budget is ten percent less than that of the Prosecution.

“Merhi's defense team obtains less than 2.5 percent of the means that the Prosecution gets,” Roux noted.

"We must be aware of these gaps and we should not be undermined.”

He also added that a number of technical and procedural measures need to be resolved, remarking that Merhi's defense team has not yet received the secret files linked to the four suspects.

Judge Re then said that meetings between the Prosecution counsel and Merhi's defense team will be held every one or two weeks in order to prepare for the trial.

“Hearings in this issue will be suspended, but pre-trial sessions will be held over this matter,” he revealed.

The judge hoped that all concerned would help Merhi's defense team overcome the massive challenges they are facing.

“The STL's main concern lies in respecting Merhi's right to a fair trial,” Re assured.

"We want to dismiss any doubts that Roux has and we do not want to disrespect you,” he expressed.