STL Spokesman: Leaks of Identities of Witnesses Jeopardizes their Lives, International Justice
إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية
The spokesman of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon Marten Youssef criticized on Sunday the recent leaks of the identities of the witnesses linked to the upcoming trial, reported Voice of Lebanon radio (93.3).
He told the radio that the STL is accustomed to criticism, but any leaks put the lives of the witnesses in danger and jeopardize international justice.
He wondered at how a newspaper could put the lives of witnesses in danger.
He stressed that the STL should demonstrate to the Lebanese people that it takes the leaks very seriously and it will take action against the development after an investigation in the matter is conducted.
Asked if the STL proceedings can be postponed over the leaks, he said that leaks could postpone the proceedings of any trial and not necessarily the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.
Youssef warned that the leaks of the identities of the witnesses can be labeled as intimidation, noting that the judges at the STL had stipulated that their identities remain confidential.
In addition, he remarked that not all media leaks, past and present, can necessarily be labeled as leaks, explaining that investigations will verify if they can be considered as so.
Al-Akhbar newspaper published on Tuesday a list of names of some of the witnesses linked to the STL trials, which are set to kick off in March.
Faced with the criticism over the leaks, al-Akhbar said on Saturday: “The investigation in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri is a public affair.”
“Media leaks had distinguished the various phases of the investigation over the past few years, making it possible for anyone to become informed of the court proceedings without having to wait for the trial itself,” it added.
Moreover, it said that it was not the first media outlet to attempt to release the names of witnesses and other issues linked to the tribunal, saying that a number of politicians and officials had “volunteered” to provide details to other outlets.
20 January 2013, 09:51
32
and who other than the minister of (in)justice to leak such information?
20 January 2013, 12:21
22
What's the problem? It's the STL's responsibility to protect the witnesses. So what if Al Akhbar named them? Aslan they shouldn't be secret and STL should be doing what it's paid to do.
20 January 2013, 16:51
21
The STL is not remotely matching the Lebanese people's expectation.
Honestly, we see a very expensive tribunal that is hinting that 4 Lebanese Shias, that happen affiliated with Hezbollah, killed on of the most important Lebanese Sunni in Lebanon's history.
My take is... they're cooking up a bomb for us with the people's money!
20 January 2013, 17:35
00
Leaks? What leaks? Never heard of leaks. I must rush to the urinal before I start leaking.
20 January 2013, 20:56
33
Al-akhbar--a hack of a newspaper who doesn't hide its support of HA.
20 January 2013, 23:06
23
sissy boy: al akhbar is pro hezbi, like otv is the voice of your master, like mustakbal the voice of future..
funny how aggressive you can be when people state a truth that does not please you:
you sum up all what M8 boils down to: intolerant totalitarian minded people...
21 January 2013, 17:34
00
FT, do not talk to the filthy zionist scum
just label them for what they are and move on
