The Special International Tribunal for Lebanon, investigating the assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Hariri and scores of his companions nine years ago, was off to a promising start a few days ago.
The prosecution has already pointed a finger of guilt at senior Hizbollah members; four of the movement’s key operatives are standing trial for the heinous crime, but the accused remain innocent until proven guilty in court.
The massive bomb in Beirut that killed Hariri was the work of highly professional operators.
The prosecutor’s opening statement and charges outlined against the accused, as well as the meticulous way he submitted the “evidence” incriminating them shows thorough preparation; the prosecution collected evidence carefully and painstakingly.
This suggests that the court observes the highest standards and will conduct a fair trial, in line with international norms for administering and rendering justice.
If the Hizbollah operatives are proved guilty at the end of the trial, the image of the movement as a force that only strives to defend Lebanon from Israeli aggression will be tarnished.
Unfortunately, Hizbollah is not cooperating with the court and refuses to hand over the four people allegedly implicated in the terrorist attack against Hariri.
This refusal to cooperate lends credence to the suspicion that the party has something to hide.
That said, on trial now are not only the suspects and those that stood behind them, but also the international tribunal itself.
It must continue to conduct its proceeding in accordance with the highest standards of fairness and reach a verdict based on evidence.
Once those who committed the crime are revealed, they should be meted out the deserved punishment.
That way only will justice be served.
