Bellemare: CBC Report May Put People’s Lives in Jeopardy

Local Editor

The Prosecutor of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon Daniel Bellemare expressed his extreme disappointment and worry about the recent reports of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), broadcast at a time when the office of the prosecutor is working hard to ensure that the draft of the indictment is submitted to the Pre-Trial Judge for confirmation in the near future.

The press release issued by Bellemare's office said "The Office of the Prosecutor's decision not to comment on matters relating to the investigation will not change. This decision is based on considerations of utmost concern for the integrity of the investigation and the safety of the victims, the witnesses, suspects and staff."

"Preserving the secrecy is vital for the success of the investigation," the report added.
Furthermore, the STL prosecutor noted that "The most serious impact of the CBC reports is that their broadcast may put people's lives in jeopardy."

Bellemare noted that "it will be for the Judges, and the Judges alone, to assess the evidence and reach conclusions based on the facts as established at trial, and the law."

"Whatever the challenges faced in this investigation, which has been conducted in extremely difficult circumstances, the staff of the Office of the Prosecutor remains committed to bringing it to a successful conclusion," Bellemare stressed, according to OTP's press release.