">Forum Views ()
">Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Lebanon frees Hariri suspects after tribunal ruling
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
Search
Search:
Lebanon frees Hariri suspects after tribunal ruling
AFP - Thursday, April 30
BEIRUT (AFP) - - Lebanon released four generals Wednesday who had been held for nearly four years without charge over the assassination of ex-premier Rafiq Hariri following a ruling by a UN-backed court.
ADVERTISEMENT
The four, considered pro-Syrian, were escorted separately out of Roumieh prison on the outskirts of Beirut in a convoy of vehicles after The Hague-based Special Tribunal for Lebanon said there was insufficient evidence to charge them.
They are the former head of the presidential guard, Mustafa Hamdan, 53, security services director Jamil Sayyed, 58, domestic security chief Ali Hajj, 52, and military intelligence chief Raymond Azar, 56.
Speaking from their respective homes after their release, the generals said they had been vindicated by the UN-backed court and insisted they had nothing to do with Hariri's 2005 murder in a massive car-bombing that also killed 22 others.
"Four generals were freed today but the only remaining inmate is Rafiq Hariri and his jailer is Lebanon's justice system," Sayyed told a crowd of cheering supporters outside his home that included several MPs from the militant group Hezbollah.
"I thank everyone who stood by us, and above all Hassan Nasrallah," he said, referring to the head of the Shiite Muslim militant group. "Never in the history of Lebanon have people been jailed for four years with no charge or evidence."
Celebratory gunfire broke out as Sayyed arrived at his home while a Hezbollah band played on and 21 sheep were slaughtered.
The generals' release comes at a sensitive time as Lebanon prepares for crucial parliamentary elections in June that will pit the Western-backed parliamentary majority headed by Hariri's son Saad against a Hezbollah-led alliance backed by Syria and Iran.
The Hariri tribunal has been at the centre of a tug-of-war between the country's pro- and anti-Syrian factions, with each accusing the other of using the case for political gain.
Saad Hariri told reporters that he welcomed Wednesday's decision by the court but stressed that it did not mean the end of the tribunal's work.
"This court is here to stay and is not up for bargaining," he said. "Those who should be fearful today are the killers and no one else."
In the ruling, the tribunal's first since opening its doors on March 1, pre-trial judge Daniel Fransen granted a request by prosecutor Daniel Bellemare who said the available evidence was "not sufficiently credible" to hold the generals.
The generals "cannot at this stage of the investigation be considered as either suspects or accused persons," said Fransen."As a result... they do not meet the conditions to be placed in provisional detention."
The four, held in Lebanon since 2005, were legally in the custody of the special tribunal since Beirut relinquished its jurisdiction in the Hariri case this month.
There are no other suspects held by the tribunal in connection with the case.
"The truth has finally prevailed," said Sayyed's wife, Sawsan. "The truth we wanted, not the truth they fabricated from day one. But it's OK, the tables always turn."
Naji Bustany, the lawyer for Hamdan and Azar, welcomed the ruling but also said it came four years too late.
"After 44 months, justice has been done and it should have been 43 months ago," Bustany told AFP.
Hezbollah also hailed the ruling.
"Hezbollah welcomes the release of the four generals and congratulates their families after a long arbitrary detention in prison cells without any evidence," it said in a statement.
It accused its political foes of "flouting all laws and established procedures" and politicising Lebanese jurisdiction.
"The priority should now be to hold accountable and prosecute all those responsible for years of deception and procrastination," the statement read.
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Recommend this article
0 users recommend
Sign in to recommend this article »
Most Recommended Stories »
Related Articles: World
BASF first quarter profit falls by 68 percentAFP - 1 hour 47 minutes ago
UK-World SummaryReuters - 2 hours 33 minutes ago
Flu fears to halt Mexican economyReuters - 2 hours 50 minutes ago
Drowning deaths raise toll from Kan. storms to 5AP - 2 hours 56 minutes ago
US urged to free young Guantanamo detaineesAP - Thursday, April 30
Enlarge Photo
A Lebanese woman shouts slogans as she celebrates in the streets of Beirut, holding up a framed portrait of former security chief Jamil Sayyed. Lebanon released four generals Wednesday who had been held for nearly four years without charge over the assassination of ex-premier Rafiq Hariri following a ruling by a UN-backed court.
Most Popular – World
Viewed
Fertility doctor on brink of cloning human: report
Israel deems 'swine flu' kosher after all
Swine flu spreads economic shivers
Britney's ex-manager forced to stay away from star
'Golden Girls' Beatrice Arthur, dead at 86
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Community
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy
- Help
Other News on Thursday, 30 April 2009 NATO looks to beef up anti-piracy mission
| International
|
Darfur kidnappers say freed Western aid workers
| International
|
Palm Pre costs $170 to make: iSuppli
| Technology
|
Online gambling bill coming
| Technology
|
French parliament debates Internet piracy again
| Technology
|
EU states give green light to telecoms reform
| Technology
|
Michelle Obama joins People most beautiful list
| Entertainment
|
Tyra Banks testifies at trial of accused stalker
| Entertainment
|
Police to return $1.4 million jewelry worn by Rihanna
| Entertainment
|
This is Radio Clash, Latin-style
| Entertainment
|
Country music singer Vern Gosdin dies in Nashville
| Entertainment
|
Pranksters Install Swings On Bay Area Trains
Florida Man Gets Probation After Parking Lot Dalliance With Blow-Up Dolls
"Ugly Betty's" Ana Ortiz Picked Unborn Baby's Name Following Premonition In A Dream
British Actor Ray Winstone Says His 8-Year-Old Daughter Taught Him How To Use The Computer
Comedian Seth Rogen Was Bullied In School For Picking His Nose
Astronomers Discover Farthest Cosmic Explosion Ever Seen
U Of Tennessee Mulling Selling President's Residence To Save $180,000 Annual Operating Costs
Bank Tells Husband About Wife's Secret Account
British Home Fire Starts With Spider Chase
Obama says Pakistan internal threat grave
| International
|
Car bombs kill at least 41 in Baghdad Shiite area
Mexico visitors head for home as flu fears spread
| International
|
48 killed as bombs rip through Baghdad
North Korea threatens nuclear tests over U.N. move
| International
|
At least 10 dead in Azeri college shooting: report
| International
|
Lebanon tribunal orders release of generals
BASF first quarter profit falls by 68 percent
Focus on opposition BJP as India votes in 3rd round
| International
|
Lebanon frees Hariri suspects after tribunal ruling
Fed stays course, says economy 'modestly' better
Mexico captures powerful Gulf cartel hitman
| International
|
More than 40 killed in twin car bombs in Baghdad
Fed says economic slump seems to be easing
Food scare sparks developing world land rush: think tank
| International
|
Dozens killed in Baghdad car bombings: officials
US recession shifts to business as GDP falls 6.1%
Deadline looms for Fiji's Pacific suspension
| International
|
Kidnappers say have freed 2 Darfur aid workers
Fear factor driving swine flu crisis in business
Colombia hostage in middle of political tug of war
| International
|
Two Iraqis killed after U.S. forces are attacked
German cuts growth forecast, predicts 6% slump
Twin car bombs in Baghdad's Sadr City kill 16
To keep warming low, deeper pollution cuts needed
Apple building chip design capability: report
| Technology
|
Google puts flu tracker to work on swine flu
| Technology
|
Drowning deaths raise toll from Kan. storms to 5
Facebook exec eyes California justice position
Florida Man Linked To 1990-1991 Rapes Arrested
US urged to free young Guantanamo detainees
Obama Vows To Rebuild Economy, Fight H1N1 At 100th Day Press Conference
Technology firm ST-Ericsson to cut 1,200 jobs
Police question black eye on octuplet mom's son
Ubisoft continues Wii alliance with 'Red Steel 2'
New Hampshire May Be Fifth State To Recognize Gay Marriage
Plane lands safe in Seattle after engine problem
Google puts flu tracker to work on swine flu
Texas Suspends High School Sports Activities Due To H1N1 Swine Flu Fears
7 plead guilty to supporting Iran terrorist group
Shakeup As Bank Of America's Lewis Out As Board Chairman, Keeps CEO Title
Palm Pre costs $170 to make: iSuppli
Russia insists it won't militarise the Arctic
North Korea Threatens Nuclear, Missile Tests
Teen reflects on NH mountain ordeal
White House creates Flickr photostream
Obama Strikes At Crack-Cocaine Sentencing Disparity
Police to look into new Zodiac Killer claim
Italian police arrest Naples mafia leader
French parliament debates Internet piracy again
Wall Street Pops On Fed Comments, GDP Data
Developing: WHO Warns All Nations To Activate Emergency Pandemic Plans
Online gambling bill coming
Lawmakers vote to force SC gov to take stimulus
Fed Keeps Key Rate Unchanged, Says Recession Shows Signs Of Easing
Time Warner profit down, expects to spin off AOL
Obama: 'unrelenting' efforts on economy, security
Driver in Calif. tour bus crash had 2005 accident
Time Warner to spin off AOL
Idol judges can't save Giraud
| Entertainment
|
Taiwan: Health body status to aid swine flu effort
Bruce Willis stays a busy action man
| Entertainment
|
Weight error caused Australia plane scare: officials
TV stars join Natalie Portman's indie film
| Entertainment
|
Film critics take sharp claws to Wolverine
| Entertainment
|
Troops patrol Karachi after clashes
NZ: Fiji faces growing isolation in South Pacific
Escapism, fantasy mark summer movies in recession
| Entertainment
|
US says nuclear threat deepens NKorea's isolation
Britney Spears extends Circus tour to Europe
| Entertainment
|
Police probe drowning of 6 Pakistanis off Malaysia
Lost marks 100 episodes as an unlikely hit
| Entertainment
|
Obama says Pakistan internal threat grave
Sean Penn files for legal separation
| Entertainment
|
4 SKoreans still being tested for swine flu
Pakistan still conflicted over battling Taliban
NKoreans treated as 'livestock,' women tell US
Carrie Fisher brings one-woman show to Broadway
Sean Penn files for legal separation
Taiwan to allow Chinese investments in stock market
SKorea closer to trade pact with ASEAN
S.Korea c.bank drains 13 trln won via 7-day repos
ADB triples capital to $165B to respond to crisis
In a first, Taiwan allows Chinese stock investment
TV stars join Natalie Portman's indie film
New Zealand cuts rates and pledges to keep them low
Bruce Willis stays a busy action man
Korea Hot Stocks-Samsung Digital Imaging down, Neowiz gains
Celebrity birthdays for the week of May 3-9
China scales back IT disclosure demands
'Youth' examines a May-December romance
S.Korean won extends gains to hit 4-mth high
"Lost" marks 100 episodes as an unlikely hit
200 soldiers mutiny in Indonesian Papua
Credit Suisse says to sell stake in S.Korea fund JV
Carrie Fisher brings one-woman show to Broadway
Latin Grammys return to Vegas in November
"Wolverine" a massive disappointment
Britney Spears extends "Circus" tour to Europe
Jackman: Size matters for `Wolverine' and Oscars
Iraq blames Baghdad bombings on Saddam loyalists
Russia takes control of rebel borders with Georgia
| International
|
Sri Lanka rejects ceasefire despite fresh pressure
| International
|
Israel's firebrand FM on first trip abroad
Death toll from twin Iraq car bombs rises to 51
| International
|
Chrysler to declare bankruptcy: White House
China urges big picture view in North Korea talks
| International
|
ExxonMobil profits plunge 58%
Lamy reappointed WTO chief for second term
| International
|
Kenyan women to sex-starve men -- for politics
A year on, Myanmar cyclone survivors struggle to rebuild
| International
|
In Britain, green squatters seize island
Car plows into royal parade in Netherlands
| International
|
Zimbabweans still groaning as aid remains elusive
| International
|
Pakistan's blind dolphins face hazardous existence
Chrysler to file for bankruptcy as creditors balk
Chrysler talks break down
Recession is latest focus of games for change
| Technology
|
Facebook eyes additional funding: report
| Technology
|
Recession is latest focus of games for change
Consumer spending falls by 0.2 percent in March
Stocks climb after drop in jobless claims
Britain ends military operations in Iraq
April 30 Highlights Of Low Points In U.S. Economy
UPDATE: Obama To Make Statement At Noon As Chrysler Prepares To File Chapter 11
Biden tells his family to stay off planes, subways
Worried about flu and kids? Here's some advice
White House Downplays Biden's Swine Flu Statement Against Taking Subway, Planes
With Tourism Revenue Down Orlando, FL Grappling With Cutting Fire Department Budget Without Compromising Public Safety
Biden, Besser remain against border closing idea
Iraq war wanes; military families' struggles don't
First-Time Unemployment Claims Fall Unexpectedly; Total Claims At 6.27 Million
Last 2 Defendants In Fort Dix Terror Plot Sentenced
Chrysler Prepares To File For Bankruptcy In The U.S., Canada Ready To Help
Part of vacant NYC building collapses, no injuries
Scott Murphy Sworn In As Newest Member Of House Democratic Caucus
Republicans Seek New Image, To Launch Initiative Thursday
Jury Awards Widow Close To A Million Dollars In Asbestos Lawsuit
China reopens border with North Korea to tourists
Philippines threatens to deport foreign protesters
Harry Potter tops summer movie favorites
| Entertainment
|
New film recalls magic of New York punk mecca CBGB
| Entertainment
|
Focus on opposition BJP as India votes in 3rd round
China, Japan to cooperate on economic crisis, flu
Japan's factory output rebounds, BoJ eyes recovery
Jet takeoff in Australia marred by bad weight data
New film explores legacy of Hitler's top director
| Entertainment
|
Asia still swine flu-free; New Zealand lowers toll
China says it can tackle swine flu after SARS
Series of gun attacks in southern Pakistan kill 34
Sri Lanka president rejects truce appeals
India's Reliance Communications profits slip
Computer giant Fujitsu falls deep into red
Taiwan to allow China investors to buy bonds
Pakistan's forex reserves rise to $11.15 bln
Pakistan stocks end lower on Karachi violence
S.Korea sees 10.6% drop in March industrial output
Japan economy sees signs of emerging recovery
All Nippon Airways posts first loss in six years
Miss California to campaign against gay marriage
Kazakhs boost access to key oil export route
New film recalls magic of New York punk mecca CBGB
Taiwan's China Airlines says net loss narrows
Britney Spears' 'Circus' tour will travel Europe
Usher unveils childhood snapshot on billboard
Closing arguments in Tyra Banks' NYC stalker trial
No salvation from judges for Idol's Giraud
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights