Monday, October 24, 2005

Detlev Mehlis report


Did you listen to what the people said, minutes after Hariri was killed? Every Lebanese knew who killed him! They knew and they shouted it, loud and clear, when they marched on Martyrs Square.

After 250 days, Mr. Hariri can finally rest in peace. Detlev Mehlis the Head of the UN probe into the assassination of Prime Minster Hariri has pointed a finger. In his 50 page long report, Judge Mehlis drew a picture of the circumstance surrounding the crime, how it was prepared and executed and who were the perpetrators.

It was not a surprise! Judge Mehlis said that "converging evidence point towards" the Lebanese-Syrian security apparatus that ruled the country since President Lahoud came into office in 1998. He even spoke about a role in the crime played by Maher Assad and Assaf shaoukat, respectively brother and brother in law of Syrian President Bashar Assad..

A great deal was said on the report and a greater amount shall be said, but the main point is that this is a primary account of the investigation, a sort of an outline. It goes without saying that there is no hard evidence listed or definite suspects accused –expect ofr the phone records-, for this is still an on going investigation and listing these information might jeopardize it

However, the investigation into the telephone records of the suspects sheds a light on who was involved and what were their roles and the extent of the conspiracy. And here again the Lebanese were proved right. They Knew al along that their so called President Emil Lahoud, had a hand in the crime, for he received a phone call minutes before the explosion, from one of the suspects.

The report is not a final accusation or indictment, that should be left to a court of Law. This is only a step, a first and important step towards solving – for the first time in the Arab world- a political crime that targeted one of the most prominent politicians in Lebanon.

Finally I cannot but thank Judge Mehlis for his dedication, objectivity and above all his steadfast resolve to uncover the truth, the whole truth, no matter the dangers, impediments or threats that face him.

Thank you Judge Mehlis