August 18, 2020 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
Global Affairs Canada today issued the following statement:
“Today’s guilty verdict by the Special Tribunal for Lebanon [STL] concerning Salim Ayyash in the Ayyash et al. case is a significant milestone for justice in that country. It is the culmination of 11 years of work by dedicated STL officials and numerous others to pursue accountability following the 2005 assassination of Lebanon’s then-prime minister Rafik Hariri and the killing of 21 others.
“The STL’s decision sends a strong message that those who perpetrate terrorist acts and threaten international peace and security will be held accountable.
“We acknowledge that this verdict may not bring the closure desired by many in Lebanon. However, today’s verdict upholds the principle of accountability and serves as a small but significant step forward in the continued pursuit for democracy, justice and security in Lebanon. Canada will continue to strongly support the Lebanese people in these efforts, particularly in the face of existing challenges, which have been greatly amplified by the devastating explosions of August 4 in Beirut.”
Global Affairs Canada
www.canadiandays.ca
