The Special Tribunal for Lebanon's Contempt Judge issued a decision that rules that the STL does not have jurisdiction to hear cases of obstruction of justice against legal persons (corporate entities.)
"However, Judge Nicola Lettieri confirmed that under Rule 60 bis the Tribunal does have jurisdiction to hear cases for offences against the administration of justice against natural persons," a press release issued by the STL read.
The Contempt Judge’s decision comes after the Defence for NEW TV S.A.L. and Karma Mohamed Tahsin al-Khayat submitted a motion on 16 June 2014, challenging the jurisdiction of the tribunal to hear cases of contempt in relation to legal persons.
The accused had not challenged the authority of the tribunal to prosecute them for obstruction of justice, but pleaded not guilty on the merits.
