STL: Start of trial in the Ayyash case (STL-18-10) on 16 June cancelled due to lack of funds

STL: Start of trial in the Ayyash case (STL-18-10) on 16 June cancelled due to lack of funds

NNA - The Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) Trial Chamber II issued an order cancelling the commencement of trial in the Ayyash case on 16 June 2021. It also suspended all decisions on filings presently before it, and on any future filings, until further notice.

Trial Chamber II's order was in response to the Registrar's filing on 1 June 2021, which notified the Chamber of the severe financial situation currently faced by the STL. The imminent exhaustion of funds will impact the Tribunal's ability to finance the continuation of judicial proceedings and completion of its mandate unless further contributions are forthcoming this month.

Trial Chamber II was formally seized of the Ayyash case on 21 May 2021, following the completion of the transfer of the case file to the Trial Chamber by the Pre-Trial Judge; which concluded the Pre-Trial phase.