The STL has jurisdiction over persons responsible for the attack of 14 February 2005 resulting in the death of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and in the death or injury of many others. It also has jurisdiction over persons responsible for attacks in Lebanon between 1 October 2004 and 12 December 2005, or any later date decided by Lebanon and the United Nations with the consent of the UN Security Council, determined to be connected to the 14 February 2005 attack.

Like many other courts and tribunals, the STL also has jurisdiction to impose criminal penalties on conduct interfering with the administration of justice or threatening the integrity of the judicial proceedings, including interference with witnesses.

This section contains a general overview of the STL’s cases and all public documents (such as indictments, decisions, judgments, and transcripts) relating to them. To find a public filing for any case, use the STL court records search.

Ayyash et al. (STL-11-01)

This case relates to the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and the killing of others on 14 February 2005. The indictment was confirmed on 28 June 2011. It was subsequently amended due to case developments, including joinder with the case against Mr Hassan Habib Merhi and the death of former Accused Mr Mustafa Amine Badreddine.

The trial opened on 16 January 2014. The Prosecution is currently presenting its evidence. Following the conclusion of the Prosecution’s case, the Legal Representative of Victims and the Defence teams will have the opportunity to present their cases.

The Accused currently facing trial in absentia are Messrs Salim Jamil Ayyash, Hassan Habib Merhi, Hussein Hassan Oneissi and Assad Hassan Sabra. Warrants for their arrest remain outstanding.

Connected cases, Hamadeh, Hawi and El-Murr (STL-11-02)

The Tribunal has established jurisdiction over three attacks relating to Messrs Marwan Hamadeh, George Hawi and Elias El-Murr.  These cases are currently in the investigation phase.

Contempt Cases (STL-14-05 & STL-14-06)

On 31 January 2014, two individuals and two media companies were charged with contempt and obstruction of justice before the STL in relation to media reports containing information about alleged confidential STL witnesses.

Ms Karma Mohamed Tahsin Al Khayat and Al Jadeed S.A.L./New TV S.A.L. (STL-14-05) were ultimately acquitted.

Mr Ibrahim Mohamed Ali Al Amin and Akhbar Beirut S.A.L. (STL-14-06) were both found guilty.  Mr Al Amin was sentenced to a €20,000 fine and Akhbar Beirut to a €6,000 fine. 

In the Matter of El Sayed

Mr Jamil Mohamad Amin El Sayed sought the disclosure of documents held by the Prosecutor relating to his prior detention in Lebanon. The Pre-Trial Judge ordered that the Prosecutor release a number of documents to Mr El Sayed.  Pursuant to an order of the Pre-Trial Judge, the Prosecutor regularly assesses whether further disclosure would expose certain individuals to risk, to determine whether additional documents should be disclosed.

In the Matter of El Hajj

Mr Ali Salah El Dine El Hajj wrote to the STL President requesting copies of records in the Ayyash et al. proceedings related to his prior detention in Lebanon.  The Pre-Trial Judge determined Mr El Hajj had no standing to request materials related to the Ayyash et al. proceedings.