After many local institutions, it is the turn of the special tribunal for Lebanon to lack the funds necessary to ensure its functioning. As a reminder, it was opened to try people suspected of being involved in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri and certain attacks committed between 2004 and 2007.

Created in 2007, initially for a 3-year term renewed since then, and operational since 2009, the tribunal is funded up to 49% of its expenses by Lebanon itself and 51% by the international community. In total, this institution would cost up to $ 55 million annually.

For the moment, this institution is somewhat controversial in Lebanon following the indictment of members of Hezbollah accused of being involved in the assassination of Rafic Hariri and the publication in 2020 of a verdict which found not guilty. 3 of the 4 accused by lack of proof.

The threats concerning its funding had already been heard by the very confession of the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres who had estimated, as early as last February, that the Lebanese contribution would be uncertain. The UN official then estimated that the institution could interrupt its operation in the first half of 2021. Efforts to cut running costs by 40% have cut the tribunal’s running costs as the UN is reportedly claiming $ 25 million from its members to cover the remaining balance. Only $ 15.5 million has so far been found.

Newsdesk Libnanews
Libnanews est un site d'informations en français sur le Liban né d'une initiative citoyenne et présent sur la toile depuis 2006. Notre site est un média citoyen basé à l’étranger, et formé uniquement de jeunes bénévoles de divers horizons politiques, œuvrant ensemble pour la promotion d’une information factuelle neutre, refusant tout financement d’un parti quelconque, pour préserver sa crédibilité dans le secteur de l’information.

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