November 19, 2009 - Naharnet - International Tribunal Defense Office Mission to Lebanon

Head of the Defense Office of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon François Roux and his team visited Lebanon last week to meet with Lebanese lawyers, academics and other members of civil society with the goal of briefing them about the work of their office, the STL has reported.

The Defense Office is one of the four independent organs of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. The primary duty of the Defense Office is to protect the rights of the Defense. This includes ensuring that an accused's right to counsel is protected, defense counsel are provided with support, assistance and legal advice.
In addition, STL said on its website, the Head of Defense Office can appear before the Judges on matters of general importance to the Defense.
It said that while there are no indictments at this time, the Defense Office is "preparing in order to fully assume its role when this situation changes."
While in Lebanon, the Defense Office organized a seminar with the Tripoli Bar Association to brief lawyers there about the role and function of the Defense. The discussions also touched on how lawyers can become involved in the Tribunal and what lawyers can expect from the Defense Office.
As part of the Tribunal's Outreach, the Defense Office also met with the Deans of the Faculties of Law of two Universities in Lebanon. The meetings were organized to explain the opportunities for internships at the STL for students and young professionals. The Defense Office also highlighted its specific role within the Tribunal.