STL Trial of 4 Hizbullah Members Kicks Off

by Naharnet Newsdesk over 11 years

Timeline

The STL trial was adjourned to 10:30 am on Friday. over 11 years

Prosecution: The next time Oneissi connected to the cell site was a week later. Evidence should later reveal that Oneissi was in fact Abu Adas' acquaintance Mohammed. over 11 years

Prosecution: On December 22, Oneissi using his purple phone activated a cell tower near Abu Adas mosque location. He made an 80-second call to Merhi. over 11 years

Prosecution: One day Abu Adas met a man called Mohammed who was a Muslim convert. The two individuals kept in touch over the next period of time. over 11 years

Prosecution: Abu Adas disappeared on January 16, 2005. over 11 years

Prosecution: Abu Adas went to a school in Beirut, lived with his immediate family, and had no mobile phone. Somewhere around 2002, he became more devoted religiously. He was described as generous, but a little naïve. over 11 years

Prosecution: The calling pattern of the purple phone was very significant. The pattern later changed with the introduction of Abu Adas. over 11 years

Prosecution: Ayyash and Merhi never communicated with each other through the green phone, but they did so through the purple one. over 11 years

Prosecution: Oneissi and Sabra communicate with each other from the end of the fall of 2004 and the beginning of winter 2004. over 11 years

Prosecution: They continued to communicate with Ayyash up until the assassination. over 11 years

Prosecution: Each of the three accused used these numbers to communicate with other phones, including Ayyash. over 11 years

Prosecution: The purple phones were used by Oneissi, Sabra, and Merhi to communicate with each other the false claim of responsibility. over 11 years

The Prosecution presented example of Hariri's surveillance at Faqra aimed at demonstrating that some owners of blue phones also had yellow phones. over 11 years

The Prosecution then discussed the activity of the phone networks while Hariri was at his Faqra residence. over 11 years

Prosecution: By January 7 the blue network began to expand. The yellow network was used to develop the red and blue phones. Hariri's surveillance began to increase. over 11 years

Prosecution: The phones were used for the last time the day of Hariri's return from a trip abroad in January 2005. over 11 years

Prosecution: Ayyash had a yellow phone and during 2004 all of the yellow phones were in contact with him. over 11 years

Prosecution: The yellow phones largely, but not exclusively, communicated with each other. Some of them were purchased as far as 1999. over 11 years

Prosecution: The surveillance of Hariri during the third stage increased significantly. The phones of the co-conspirators were almost always surrounding his actions. over 11 years

Prosecution: The third stage saw the preparation of the bomb for the assassination. over 11 years

Prosecution: The red network is created during this third stage. Evidence indicates that the SIM cards used by it were purchased in Tripoli. over 11 years

Prosecution: Ayyash became in contact with the red network. over 11 years

Prosecution: Five other blue phones were bought after December 24, bringing the total to 15 blue phones by January 2005. The evidence should demonstrate that Ayyash began to use one of these phones in January. over 11 years

Prosecution: During this period, the users of the purple network became active. over 11 years

Prosecution: The blue network then began its expansion from two phones to several more. This began on December 23 and continued for the next ten days or so. Several of these phones were bought in 2003. over 11 years

Prosecution: Hariri returned to Lebanon on December 20, 2004. This marked the beginning of a new pattern of activity among the phone lines. This marked the third stage of the conspiracy. over 11 years

Prosecution: On December 21, a number of the phones near parliament began to work alongside the blue network. over 11 years

Prosecution: The pattern of the phone usage changes during Hariri's absence from the country. When he was in Lebanon, two blue phones communicated with each other every day. During a ten-day period when Hariri was abroad, the two phones only contacted each other once. over 11 years

The Prosecution presented telephone calls that monitored Hariri's movement from his residence to the Beirut airport. The data indicated that the user of a phone near the premier's residence moved along with Hariri's actions. over 11 years

Prosecution: Such a pattern will become evident during the following period. over 11 years

The Prosecution said that the second phase of the conspiracy began on November 11, 2004. Information gathered that day focused on Hariri's daily routine. over 11 years

The Prosecution said that there is strong evidence that indicates that the blue and green phone networks were used to coordinate the assassination and start gathering information about his activity. over 11 years

Prosecution: The first phase saw the establishment of the blue and green phones networks that marked the beginning of the surveillance of Hariri's activity. over 11 years

Prosecution: On the day Hariri resigns, the blue network contact each other near the area of his residence for the first time. over 11 years

The Prosecution presented a map of Beirut showing the location of Hariri's residence, parliament building, and surrounding areas of relevance to the case. over 11 years

Prosecution: 15 minutes after he returned to his home, two blue network phones were in contact with each other. By the late afternoon the users made their way to south Beirut. over 11 years

Prosecution: On October 20, 2004, Hariri visited several places near Nejmeh square before returning to his residence and then heading to the Baabda Palace where he presented his resignation. He then returned to his residence. over 11 years

Prosecution said that the first phase of the conspiracy to assassinate Hariri took place between October and November 2004. over 11 years

Prosecution said that the conspiracy to assassinate Rafik Hariri took place over five phases. over 11 years

Prosecution: The purchase of the Mitsubishi van, the acts undertaken following the assassination, and the use of Abu Aadas in the crime. These areas of evidence and the corresponding phone use reveal five distinctive stages in the co-conspirators actions. over 11 years

Prosecution: This starts with Rafik Hariri's decision to resign from government, it includes his movement since then, including the day of his murder. over 11 years

Prosecution: The timing and location of mission phone activity with the events taking place on the ground will be used to demonstrate that they were used in the operation. over 11 years

Prosecution: Only the data recorded at the start of the call is saved by the tower that first picked up the call, should the user have moved his position. The towers at the time did not record such data. over 11 years

Prosecution demonstrated various areas of coverage of the MTC and Alfa mobile service providers. over 11 years

Prosecution: Analysis of the phones will reveal that the identity of the user of the personal phone is the same who used the covert phone. over 11 years

Prosecution: Badreddine used two personal mobile phones. The remaining nine were used to contact business associates and political figures. over 11 years

Prosecution: The evidence should show that Ayyash used 11 phones. over 11 years

Prosecution: Collocation phones usually share the same geographic profiles. over 11 years

The STL resumed its proceedings. over 11 years

The STL trial took a break. over 11 years

The Red Network included 8 pre-paid SIM cards. The identities of the purchasers were not known. They were bought in Tripoli. over 11 years

The prosecution is mentioning the details of the Red Network. over 11 years

The prosecution: There is a similarity in the structure between the Green and Blue networks. over 11 years

In late Dec. 2004 other phones were added to the Blue Network bringing the number to 18. over 11 years

No info concerning identity is provided by the purchasers of the Blue Network cards. over 11 years

The prosecution expected evidence to show that the names of the users of the 3 phones are linked to the other 12. over 11 years

All 3 phones used MTC as service provider. They were used the same day. over 11 years

Three of the phones were purchased sometime in Oct. 2004. over 11 years

The Blue Network consisted of three up to 15 phones all of which were pre-paid. over 11 years

The prosecution said evidence of the 18 phones used shows they were intended to be used as a cover. over 11 years

The prosecution: Based on the evidence, the green phones were purchased with forged documents to conceal the identities of the users. The 3 green phones used by the accused and co-conspirators were part of a larger stonework of phones maintained to be used for other purposes. over 11 years

The last call made by Merhi was seven days before the attack. over 11 years

The prosecution: No phone was used to send SMS text messages. over 11 years

One of the phones was used by Badreddine. The other by Merhi and the third by Ayyash. over 11 years

From 1st of Oct until after Feb 14, the entire group of phones were unused except for three phones. over 11 years

The first area of significance of the unusual aspect is the element of deceit to maintain the anonymity of the purchasers of the phones. over 11 years

The prosecution said false documents were created so that the users of the 18 phones would not be identified or traced. over 11 years

The prosecution said someone was responsible for anticipating the payment date and paying the bills of the phones. Someone was responsible for the maintenance of the phones. over 11 years

The prosecution said payments for the phones started Sept. 2004 and ended in May 2005. over 11 years

The prosecution said false identity documents are used to perpetrate a fraud. over 11 years

The prosecution said the green network phones were purchased by nine false identity cards. over 11 years

The green network phones were post-paid. The 18 phones were purchased with the intention of using them in a group. over 11 years

There are four types of networks used by the suspects as the indictment has mentioned. over 11 years

The trial paused for a moment for technical assistance. over 11 years

The prosecution: Some personal phones were used in the coordination between the suspects although they were not the mission phones. over 11 years

The cellphone companies gave data on the phones made between the suspects and their locations. over 11 years

The teleom data received from alfa and mtc form two different pools of evidence. over 11 years

The prosecution said the evidence deals with two questions: How it was done and who did it? over 11 years

The analysis of cellular telecom is one of the central evidence in the case made by the prosecution. over 11 years

The Prosecution is briefing the court on the preparations made by the four suspects in 2004 and 2005 all the way to Hariri's murder. over 11 years

The Prosecution: All evidence showed that the RDX explosives were placed inside the van. over 11 years

The Prosecution: Computer modeling was used to know how much explosives were used. over 11 years

The Prosecution: Windows of buildings as far as 300 meters away from the explosion had been shattered. over 11 years

The Prosecution: Part of the analysis was the crater formed in the blast. It resembled an inverted cone. over 11 years

The Prosecution: The analysis showed significant traces of military-type explosives used in the bombing. over 11 years

The human remains of the suicide bomber did not belong to Abou Adas. over 11 years

The Prosecution: The van was sold in Tripoli in January 2005. No evidence on the person who purchased it. over 11 years

The prosecution showed a photo of the number of the Mitsubishi van's engine. over 11 years

More photos are showing the vehicles that were damaged in the explosion. over 11 years

The STL showed photos of the fragments on the ground of the car that suffered the most damage in the blast. over 11 years

The trial resumed after the short break. over 11 years

The STL took a 30 minutes break. over 11 years

The search for the victims of the Hariri bombing was active but was not systematic. over 11 years

The STL: The entire Lebanese people is the victim of this attack. over 11 years

The STL: The suicide bomber of the Mitsubishi van blew himself up manually. The blast was not carried out through remote control. over 11 years

A video shows scenes from the blast and ambulance sirens and screams heard in the background. over 11 years

The STL said the activities of Hariri before his assassination put the attack on hold until his motorcade reached the area of the blast. over 11 years

Photos are showing the path of the Mitsubishi van that the suicide bomber used in Hariri's attack. over 11 years

The STL is now showing photos and evidence gathered in Hariri's murder case. over 11 years

The Prosecution: The accused Hizbullah members were not able to remove all evidence. over 11 years

Farrell: Sabra is accused of finding the Palestinian known as Abu Adas to make a false claim. over 11 years

Farrell: Badreddine and Ayyash prepared for the Hariri assassination before four months and monitored him for three months. over 11 years

STL: It is anticipated that the defense statements will start on Monday. On Wed, the Prosecution will start the 1st chapter of the Ayyash et al case. over 11 years

Prosecutor Norman Farrell is making the opening statement of the prosecution, which is expected to carry on until tomorrow. over 11 years

Judge Re briefly presented the indictment against the 4 accused in Hariri's murder. over 11 years

The witnesses will be questioned starting next Wednesday over 11 years

The in absentia trial of four Hizbullah members accused of murdering former Premier Rafik Hariri in February 2005 opened at the Special Tribunal for Lebanon in The Hague on Thursday.

The February 14, 2005 seafront blast killed 22 people including Hariri and wounded 226, leading to the establishment by the U.N. Security Council of the STL in 2007.

Although the attack was initially blamed on four pro-Syrian Lebanese generals, the court in 2011 issued arrest warrants against Mustafa Badreddine, 52, Salim Ayyash, 50, Hussein Oneissi, 39, and Assad Sabra, 37, all members of Hizbullah.

The four suspects were indicted in 2011 with plotting the attack, but have not been arrested. A fifth, Hassan Habib Merhi, was charged late last year in the case and is also still at large.

Presiding Judge David Re said prosecutors will call hundreds of witnesses in a trial likely to take months.

"We will proceed as if the accused are present in the courtroom and have pleaded not guilty," Re told the STL.

"The onus is on the prosecutor to prove their guilt."

Hariri's son Saad was in the courtroom, at the back behind the victims' representative. His hands were folded as he listened attentively.

The STL said the trial will allow the Lebanese people to see evidence being presented and challenged, as well as witnesses testifying and being cross-examined in public.

"No one in Lebanon can fail to have been affected directly, or indirectly, by the attack in downtown Beirut that on 14 February 2005, killed Mr. Rafik Hariri," said Prosecutor Norman Farrell.

"The people of Lebanon have a right to this trial and to seek the truth," he said, showing the court a photograph taken shortly after the blast of smoke, flames and Hariri's vehicle on fire.

The photos included a smoldering, rubble-strewn crater around 12 meters across and the flaming wreckage of the truck.

He told judges attackers packed "an extraordinary quantity of high grade explosives" into a Mitsubishi truck to kill Hariri.

"The force of the blast was such that Mr. Hariri was thrown from his car and it's reasonable to conclude that he died quickly at the scene," said co-prosecutor Alexander Milne.

Milne said the blast created "a man-made hell."

He showed videos of the immediate aftermath and photos including one he said showed Hariri's body covered by a plaid blanket.

Senior Trial counsel Graeme Cameron then proceeded to analyze the telephone data and activity linked to Hariri's actions following his resignation from government on October 20, 2004 and until his assassination in 2005.

The indictment had revealed the existence of a number of telephone networks, which the Prosecution had color-coded, used by the accused.

Cameron explained how the networks of blue and yellow phones were active in monitoring the slain premier's activity, noting that they decreased when he was abroad and increased when he was present in the country.

The surveillance operations focused on Hariri's movement near the parliament building and his Qoreitem residence in Beirut and his Faqra residence outside of the capital.

They increased in activity in December 2004 and continued until the assassination.

Activity on all telephone networks ceased after the assassination.

Cameron also addressed the case of Abu Adas, who was used by the co-conspirators to be falsely accused in the assassination.

After a brief biography of the Abu Adas, Cameron spoke of how he became more devoted religiously and how, between December 2004 and January 2005, he met at a mosque in Beirut's Tariq al-Jadideh neighborhood a man identified as Mohammed.

Mohammed told Abu Adas that he was a Muslim, but he was raised Christian at an orphanage and he sought to learn Islam in order to marry a Muslim woman.

Analysis of the telephone networks used by the accused during this period should prove as evidence that Oneissi was indeed Mohammed, whom Abu Adas had met at the mosque, revealed Cameron.

The purple telephone network was linked to communication between the accused over Abu Adas.

The session was then adjourned with Cameron expected to resume on Friday morning the rest of his intervention.

The session will continue at 10:30 am Beirut time.

Comments 98

habib over 11 years

Ma7kamaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

_mowaten_ over 11 years

sorry but it is very ironic how the "maaaaaaaaaaaa" in your comment makes me think of a sheep bleating. very ironic, and very revealing lol

FlameCatcher over 11 years

You seem to be very knowledgable with sheep having been brought up as such...

_mowaten_ over 11 years

yes, i am so very knowledgeable that i know what sound a sheep makes...

(FC.. here's a free advice: when you're trying to sound smart, don't say something so absolutely stupid)

FlameCatcher over 11 years

I didn't say anything ... you did. You keep opening doors that backfire against you.

Today is a great day anyway for Lebanon !

Whatever the outcome of the court, it's the first time someone is judged for such a crime.

FlameCatcher over 11 years

I completely agree. By observing both of you for so long, I have come to the conclusion that you are lost beyond salvage. Brainwashed sheep incapable of seeing the truth if it hit you in the face.

Enjoy your trial today. You can defend your criminals online if you want. But please, post evidence instead of your stupid stupid excuses of this being a "joke trial" or "fabrication". If your sheep brothers are innocent, then it's so easy to demonstrate...

ice-man over 11 years

Flamthrower: Please, do not ever use any of my gem comments without my express permission. It is a violation of the basics of decency. Please, do not force me to vote you down. You know I hate doing that!

ice-man over 11 years

mowaten, please if you have something constructive to say about the STL or its proceedings, say it without making a fool out of your self. Please, do not force me to vote you down. You know I hate doing that.

_mowaten_ over 11 years

you did say something FC, but it seems you didnt understand my free advice. too bad for you :)

ps: i'm going to enjoy this trial, as anyone would enjoy a circus or carnival, but it's not "my" trial, it's yours, i have nothing to do with it :)

_mowaten_ over 11 years

samy: and the number of times you can paste the same quote.

geha over 11 years

@m8 guys who are stupidly commenting:

this trial is required if we are to live together in the future.

if you do not want to live in Lebanon, keep up your remarks trying to demine this trial. your comments will not alter the outcome.

instead of increasing the sectarian hatred, accept the rule of law, so we can still think about including you with us in this country.

unless you have decided to leave Lebanon, stop increasing the sectarian hatred.

_mowaten_ over 11 years

lol geha, "you" will include "us" in the country upon your conditions? rofl, keep em coming you're hilarious

_mowaten_ over 11 years

and before you even think of giving advice on "increasing sectarian hatred" you should stop posting hateful sectarian comments all day long.

for me this tribunal does not represent the rule of law, it is a foreign tool used for political ends. it has proven it is untrustworthy over and over.

as i have been telling you for years, they have no proof, just colored cellphones, and they cant even say who bought them, only that they were bought in tripoli (kind of a long trip from dahiyeh dont you think?)

_mowaten_ over 11 years

"The Red Network included 8 pre-paid SIM cards. The identities of the purchasers were not known. They were bought in Tripoli."

"The Prosecution: The van was sold in Tripoli in January 2005. No evidence on the person who purchased it."

ghzayel over 11 years

"و لكم في القصاص حياة"
justice started its course at last may justice prevail

primesuspect over 11 years

The next trial is for may 7 or the 2006 attack on izrahell which caused 1100 death?

ice-man over 11 years

yes, LOL.

yourworstenemy (Guest) over 11 years

Naharnet is a pro Israeli, Saudi Terrorist news service, funded by march 14th criminal gang who are in turn funded by Saudi terrorists

FlameCatcher over 11 years

:) Yes, everyone who disagrees with Hezbollah's crimes is a Pro-Isreli Saudi Terrorist ... you forgot "cannibal".

ice-man over 11 years

for those who are interested in watching the trial live in ENGLISH here is the live feed:

http://www.stl-tsl.org/en/streaming/watch-the-hearing

imagine_1979 over 11 years

Justice is on its way... Slowely but surely...

antimarch14thgang (Guest) over 11 years

Naharnet is a pro Israeli, Saudi Terrorist news service, funded by march 14th criminal gang who are in turn funded by Saudi terrorists

habib over 11 years

Al7aq yo3la walayo3la 3alayeh

..@wolf.. over 11 years

The biggest " kangaroo Court " case in history .
It will end the same way it began !
Signed Wolf !

imagine_1979 over 11 years

The partisants of milosevich use to say the same... Keep on... Bravo
Plus one for u wolf, the STL started after all...

_mowaten_ over 11 years

who cares about milosevich's trial? different times, different circumstances, different continent, different accusations, different different...
your parallelism is empty and void. might as well bring up the Dreyfus trial.

ice-man over 11 years

why Al Manar is not transmitting the live feed? I guess Sayyed Hassan will speak tonight and show us how pathetic these accusations are.

terminator over 11 years

It began with the murder of Hariri .
Are you saying soon saad Hariri will be murdered?
Is it a threat you are making?
Is there something you know that you are hiding ?
I think the moderators should hand your I.p address to the relevant authorities. You need to be interigated .

EagleDawn over 11 years

Watching this trial and its professionalism, should be an eye opener for all Lebanese on how civilized nations conduct their justice. The evidence so far is overwhelming and I am sure more is yet to come. The Lebanese justice system is shameful..... judges are bought and sold for less than the value of a beat up car. An army officer influences a judge, a politician, a thug. Nasrallah will come on and tell us it is a political court, fabricated, or the murder committed by Israel. We live with people who have sold their souls to the devil, heartless, and sectarians.

May7 (Guest) over 11 years

The greatest day since , syria left Lebanon
Lebanon urgently needs to solve all crimes
Not selective justice M8 style

imagine_1979 over 11 years

Maybe they will shre milsevich cell?...
Plus one for u southern, the STL started after all, slowely but surely...

imagine_1979 over 11 years

Same arguments were used in millosevich trial, u know it is nice not to hve impunity from now and then... I would also like to know who killed mehdi 3amel for exemple... We should face our past so we can build some kind of future southern...
Please cut the crap...
I take back ur plus one..

Hanoun (Guest) over 11 years

the terrorist majed died and took a lot of secrects with him , even on harriri s death

cedars2 over 11 years

Sayed said it that, Hezb doesn't recognize this farce tribunal, it's a political one, so it depends on Hezb..

its amazing how arrogant you HA mouthpieces are. When the truth is revealed beyond a reasonable doubt the world will go after those responsible no matter how deep they dig underground.

cedars2 over 11 years

Your master wants to treat Lebanon like his private terrorist playground let him pay the price....

cedars2 over 11 years

"you might not like the truth that will be 'revealed'.. just sayin'"

cedars2 over 11 years

Let me guess Saad did it.
ROFL

cedars2 over 11 years

besides, Hezb and martyr Hariri were the best partners ever, by one hand, the conviction that you don't kill your own friend, partner, countryman and who shares the same values and objectives

you're right that makes sense but your hizb is a foreign controlled terrorist organization that doesn't think on its own. They received their orders and they executed them. That's why this superman of the dahiyeh freak show needs to end.

jabal10452 over 11 years

The proceedings are public and I am sure that we will learn a lot of things that we didn't know before. Prosecution will present its case and defense will try to punch holes in it. In the end, public opinion will be the ultimate judge.

It is regrettable that, faced with very serious accusations and an international court, Hezbollah chooses to protect the suspects instead of facing its accusers, head on in court, with its own defence team.

By failing to appear in court, Hezbollah wants to send a message that it does not recognize it.

The other message that Hezbollah is sending is this:

1. It has something to hide.
2. It holds international law in contempt.

ice-man over 11 years

You are nobody. Hence, it means nothing.

jabal10452 over 11 years

Well FT, as far as I know, you are not accused of murdering a prime minister and many others, nor are you wanted by international law. So it is easy for you to declare you contempt to international law. Not so for HA.

jabal10452 over 11 years

Southern, your argument is weak and tries to deflect from the subject of this discussion. To say that Israel does not obey international law, therefore HA shouldn't implies that you are trying to deflect attention away from the trial and towards the HA-Israel conflict.

imagine_1979 over 11 years

Sorry if sayed said it must be right... Just like when ge said that hezbollah never pointed arms toward lebanese, so the war in aklim el toufah wich led to thousands martyrs was nothing (i will pass on the targeted assassination of comunists leaders bc u seem to ignor that even if u are ftom south..)
Really sad, we have a chance for justice and that's what u find to say: "sayed said"... Bravo again southern, bravo...

imagine_1979 over 11 years

Keep on southern nasrallah never lied in fact he is divine ao good for u, as for the telecome data it would hve been done really faster but infortunately israel/takfiri decided to assassinate wissam eid and the islamic resistance judges it was not good that STL invade our privacy (so demcartic and modern guys, they are thinking of our privacy, so kind of them)
Too bad u don't wanna see the facts man, u seem an intelligent guy...
Anyway STL is on...

cedars2 over 11 years

I believe that the vast majority of the Shiites does not want HA to control them or their areas, HA has created a mini dictatorship similar to North Korea, Syria, Iran where the people are ruled by fear, deep down the vast majority are longing for freedom and the state away from fear of being labeled a Zionist agent if they express their thoughts and made to "disappear". We saw what happened to that brave young Shiite who lost his life standing up to the black shirts and expressing his mind. Moderate Shiites we know what you are feeling, we felt it during the Syrian occupation, unfortunately your occupation has not ended yet. Have faith be strong and you will soon be free of your dark grey dungeon...

cedars2 over 11 years

If an armed militia can pick and choose who to assassinate and roam freely then let there be a civil war. Mnieh??

ice-man over 11 years

Still on pills?

thepatriot over 11 years

So Roar... you are saying impunity is bliss...?
Let me tell you one thing... Hezbozos are in deep crap!
1- Funding from Iran has dramatically decreased.
2- Their strategy in Syria was a big mistake and they are starting to pay the price of it.
3- They have started being very unpopular within their own sect.
4- They are no longer legitimate to be called "resistance" since they resist to nothing... they only resist for Bashar now.
5- They have no leverage against the STL
6- They are now tagged as a "Terrorist" organisation by the European Community (yes, Military wing).
7- I will tell you more... I know that from within the organisation voices are raised... Nasrallah does not have the unanimity he used to have...

Disarm! And stick to politics!

jabal10452 over 11 years

Roar, if HA places its military organization under the sole authority of the state, I would VOTE for Hezbollah, just to make a point.

Chupachups over 11 years

So you do think there is a possibility of the result being "not guilty" .. Looooool so that's one M8 / Hezbollah sympathiser who thinks the verdict of this tribunal isn't set up ???

FlameCatcher over 11 years

@Roar : if indeed they are found guilty, then Hezbollah would be responsible for starting a civil war. It's not the other way around.

And if we need a civil war to put an end to the criminal rule of Syria and Hezbollah, then let it be !

Seems lebanese did not learn their lesson from previous civil wars ! Maybe this will be the last one ...

FlameCatcher over 11 years

@Roar : chances they are found "not guilty" are almost non-existent. But then again, they don't even try to defend themselves meaning they are guilty as charged !

FlameCatcher over 11 years

@Roar : HA incriminated itself the moment Hassan Nasrallah claimed responsibility for ALL THE ACTIONS of ALL HEZBOLLAH MEMBERS. According to your Terrorist in Chief, no single action are conducted by Hezbollah men without the full knowledge and orders of Hezbollah.

So for me, it's enough that these 4-5 men are incriminated. It would mean the entire party is responsible according to Hassan himself !

jabal10452 over 11 years

Roar, I doubt that the outcome of the trial would lead to civil war. The only thing to cheer about is that, for the first time, the murder of a Lebanese politician and many others is being addressed in a court of law, according to international standards, and mandated by the U.N. The trial is not being held on Lebanese soil because of security issues and of the flawed and politicized Lebanese justice system. Not long ago, even FT expressed great frustration with our flawed justice system, based on his own personal experience. FT, please correct me if I misunderstood you post of a couple of weeks ago.

ice-man over 11 years

you are always correct Flamethrower, not only this time.

primesuspect over 11 years

Dicey, u incarnate the living truth, may Dios give u many more years 2 defend the poor, the widow, and the orphan!

Always ur friend, PS.

Chupachups over 11 years

Cheer up lad, have a chupachup

cedars2 over 11 years

Even better "gallops la chups!!"

-phoenix1 over 11 years

The day we Lebanese can desist from giving our loyalty to our parties and give it to our nation, that day will come to see us finally gain our independence. No, it need not be independence by blood, I believe we Lebanese have done that amply, thus we richly deserve the status of independence, but our remaining inherent problem remains in tying ourselves more to our different parties than to our only one nation. Justice is resorted to to serve an entire nation, not just part of the nation, thus justice done is society served. As justice is now being translated into the service of our nation, let us just give it the room it needs, and avoid coming to futile early and premature conclusions, all linked to party priorities and even worse, none of which is good for us Lebanese.

cedars2 over 11 years

Its easy to recognize them, just park a new car close to one of their areas the ones that go to hotwire it or put on a truck u know are supported by the Hizb...

-phoenix1 over 11 years

It is not always that the international community has time for us Lebanese, there are parts of the world where communities are crying out loud to be heard for justice. If today we Lebanese want to squander that goodwill the international community is affording, then when the time comes when we're dropped off before reaching our intended destination, let us then not blame anyone but our shortsightedness, for having as always been typical Lebanese, never wanting to see beyond our noses. Let us for one understand that this legal procedure is meant to bring to justice anyone proven to be involved in the killing of Rafic Hariri, and this procedure is unlike the ones we seem top have locally, often abused and used as a means to distort facts and rights. If we want the truth, then obviously it has to start somewhere, and whet better than the Hague?

imagine_1979 over 11 years

@Joseph; Yes corrupted march 14, israely march 14, takfiri march14... Really evil guys.. And all is lies.. U are right if nasrallah said so, like when he said that hezbollah neer pointed arms on lebanese so i guess about 3000 people died in aklim al tefah in mid 80s by comiting mass suicide, yes right joseph nasrallah worrds are all true he never lied (i'm skiping all the assassination of leftist leaders....)
Joseph chupachups?

-phoenix1 over 11 years

** Let us for once understand...**

cedars2 over 11 years

Rafik Hariri was truly a father of the nation. May he RIP. Watch ft thumbs me down...

cedars2 over 11 years

FT how much do you get paid for being a prat?

cedars2 over 11 years

google it

cedars2 over 11 years

FT watch the STL its a real eye opener. Since you're such a patriot I think you will move to M14 after you learn the truth..

cedars2 over 11 years

Can you recommend any good farsi books?

cityboy over 11 years

For those missing the point and accusing HA of trying to hide something. The STL is not an independent court, it is highly politically motivated. You can't have a fair trial when the whole idea of the tribunal was set up for the purpose of reaching a political objective. Why would HA even want to entertain such a idiotic political trap set up by its enemies. This has very little to do with finding justice for Hariri but rather to create further divisions between Shia and Sunnis. I wonder who would that benefit.

ice-man over 11 years

yes, yes mowaten.

thepatriot over 11 years

And let me add that the "false witnesses" were set free by the stl. It is the Lebanese judicial system that kept them incarcerated! Buffoon!

LEBhasNOhope over 11 years

This is Lebanon's first introduction to JUSTICE and the TRUTH. I hope everyone tastes it, understands it, and hangs on to it going forward. We should demand it going forward and expect nothing less! Good luck to us all!!!!!!!!!!!!

peace over 11 years

and here come the M8ers to sing that STL is a farce.. they should stop it for we all know their stupid song....

primesuspect over 11 years

icey, u incarnate the living truth, may Dios Todopoderoso give u many more years 2 defend the poor, the widow, and the orphan!

Always ur friend, PS.

LEBhasNOhope over 11 years

what a fantastic analysis and counter argument. you have certainly debunked the entire case. It's a mystery to all why you weren't chosen as the defense counsel.

peace over 11 years

sure M8ers know much more than experts and lawyers... that's what make them believe they are intelligent... they know how, by whom hariri was killed... without leaving their tablets! waw! impressive!

LEBhasNOhope over 11 years

can you show us an example of when you analysed 18 phones out an entire network and was able to decipher the movement in the groups stated to link everything together in 3 days? seriously kid. how old are you?

primesuspect over 11 years

Southern w/ a dot. Stop wasting ur time on naharnet! Geta life and a real job.u'll never be a fine political figure, give up now before it s too late. Time is of the essence so u can recycle urself.

LEBhasNOhope over 11 years

" it's not worth it to waste my own time" is a universal cop-out when you have no response. the fact that you took the time respond clearly shows you actually have time but are unable to respond with a credible answer.

LEBhasNOhope over 11 years

so what you are saying is using the information generated, you can identify the individuals that were following Harriri for a period of 4 months using 18 different cell phones out of hundreds of thousands. Track their every move and lay out their plans in 3 days? sir I want to hire you to run my new private investigation company. I will be an instant Billionaire.
BTW- do you really think this is all they have? they spent 7 years collecting data and all they have can be collected and analyzed in 3 days by you and proposed in an opening session of a trial? again kid, how old are you?

LEBhasNOhope over 11 years

As a matter of fact, I can sleep a lot easier tonight now that HA will be exposed to everyone for the terrorists they truly are.

primesuspect over 11 years

Hulk, hizb terrorismo has been exposed in today's new reports in my latin american country. Their dirty game is on worldwide TVTV channels.

M14 should open a TV channel converring the tribunal events live.

peace over 11 years

southern.. save your comments for later... it is only the FIRST day... and already you say they have NO evidence? LOL

ice-man over 11 years

@josephirani: You are a man of integrity, impartial, and deliberate. Please, never change my friend. I know you come here (you mentioned to me before) to share views and not to make judgements.

cedar over 11 years

I don't like Hariri and I don't like Nasrallah.
But one thing is for sure, this court is legitimate - and uses proper evidence.

It will ultimately show that Hezbollah was behind the assassination.

And for you Hezbollah supporters why don't u just be honest and admit that you support your party in killing Harirri, stop hiding and saying the international court is false. Speak the truth - that u don't mind how he got killed and save us all from your crap trying to blame other things.

cedre over 11 years

ok, if HA doesnt want disarm, let all lebanese get armed and allow all militias/pseudo-resistance...

cedars2 over 11 years

Wawww such deep and intellectual insight. Pls one of u M8'rs do me a favor tell me Saad killed him.
Your HA killed Harriri thinking that it would be lost in Lebanese courts like all the rest of the high profile assasinations you didnt expect them to get an international tribunal...hahahaha...surprise!!!
By the time they are finished the proof will be right there infront of you and non of you Iranian agents will be able to dispute it, you mark my words. The tribunal has the proof and its not just data, there are many many surprises to come, so get the popcorn out and get ready for the show.

thepatriot over 11 years

Seems like josephani is the new clown of naharnet! Ahla ahla! Please.... keep on entertaining us !

zahle1 over 11 years

One side feels the other is always wrong. There is some KSA influence on M14. However we cannot deny the Iranian influence and Syrian influence with HA. Can everyone in HA really say that when Syria occupied Lebanon, that they were great to all sects? You could not even speak against them. At the end of the day, all of us need to understand, that Israel is not behind the majority of the assassinations in Lebanon. So many outspoken people against Assad have been killed. Is Israel to blame for all of these murders? No way! You may not like the fact that people are being held accountable, and let's not call this trial a farce until we hear the evidence.

primesuspect over 11 years

Cedre:http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/hezbollah-sticks.jpg

cedars2 over 11 years

In order to have a country criminals need to pay for their crimes or else we will always live on a farm. HA didnt act on their own they recieved their orders from Syria with Iranian knowledge, Harriri was bigger than HA they cant carry out such a big assasination on their own. Why should we go to war in order to bring killers to justice?
Like you said we've been there already and no one wants that.
Your HA's assasination of all of these important people plus the innocent civilians who got killed were reason for war but wisdom prevailed.

zahle1 over 11 years

No M14 is not necessarily better. I'm saying we need to allow the evidence to be presented and see if this is a fair trial. I agree we should not have a one sided government, but right now the arms are all on one side as well.

cedars2 over 11 years

"so no, my friend, weapons are on both sides and mustahbal is doing its best to always provoke hezb with them"

I beg to differ, HA assasinations are what provoked all of Lebanon.
FT I need to ask you, what planet do you live on? Could it be Uranus?

cedre over 11 years

Lie 1 : 'assir was heavily armed'
Lie 2 : 'he was backed by mustahbal, M14 and the LF' LOL

FT seems to ignore difference between ak47 for personal protection and spg9, dushkas, missiles, atgw, manpads, mortars, ect...

If all lebanese were equally armed, we wouldn't have this HA hegemony...

cedre over 11 years

mustahbal is HEAVILY ARMED : like u say, prove it or zip it...
Prouve le ou ferme la, propagandiste a 2 balles...

cedars2 over 11 years

Anyway the big deal is made, USA/Iran have decided to make a deal and part of that deal is HA. For Iran its simple get bombed to hell or give up its sidekick.

zahle1 over 11 years

FT, yes other sides have arms, but it is insignificant. They also cannot move freely like HA. Yes Arsal is armed, Tripoli...lots of PSP for sure, some LF, but its nothing compared to HA. HA a few years ago took over all of Beirut in minutes. Some say HA is stronger than the LAF, so I may have exaggerated by saying arms are on one side, so literally that is not true. But to be reasonable, HA is the armed at an entirely different level an this scares everyone inside of Lebanon.

ice-man over 11 years

@josephirani: You seem like a nice guy, I really hope you are not sectarian.