UN-backed Lebanon tribunal's tenure extended for three years

New York [United States], Dec.23 (ANI): The tenure and mandate of the tribunal set up to try the accused involved in the February 2005 bomb attack in Beirut that killed 22 people, including former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri, and injured many others, has been extended by three years by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

It maybe recalled that four individuals who were indicted for the killings, are being tried in absentia since January 2014 by the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. The tribunal is located near The Hague in the Netherlands.

The tribunal's mandate has been extended from March 1, 2018 till February 2021, or upon the completion of the trial if sooner.

"The United Nations looks forward to the completion of the mandate of the Special Tribunal in a timely manner," spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement. (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI