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Special Tribunal for Lebanon charges two journalists, two media groups for contempt of court

BRUSSELS, April 24 (KUNA) -- Two journalists and two media organizations have been charged with contempt before the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.
Karma Mohamed Tahsin Al-Khayat from Al-Jadeed TV, as well as the station's parent company New TV S.A.L of Lebanon, have been summoned to appear before the STL on two counts of contempt and obstruction of Justice in the case related with the killing of ex-Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri in Beirut in 2005.
Ibrahim Mohamed Al-Amin from the Lebanese paper Al-Akhbar, as well as the newspaper's parent company Akhbar Beirut S.A.L. have been summoned on one count of contempt and obstruction of justice, the Special Tribunal of Lebanon said in a statement issued at Leidschendam, outside the Dutch city of the Hague, on Thursday.
The charges follow an investigation into three events by investigator, Stephane Bourgon, who was appointed by the Registrar on the request of the Contempt Judge, David Baragwanath.
New TV S.A.L. and Karma Mohamed Tahsin Al-Khayat are charged with knowingly and wilfully interfering with the administration of justice by broadcasting and or publishing information on purported confidential witnesses.
They also been charged with knowingly and wilfully interfering with the administration of justice by failing to remove from Al-Jadeed TV's website and Al-Jadeed TV's YouTube channel information on purported confidential witnesses.
Meanwhile, Akhbar Beirut S.A.L. and Ibrahim Mohamed Al Amin are charged with knowingly and wilfully interfering with the administration of justice by publishing information on purported confidential witnesses in the case.
In his decision the Contempt Judge clarified that publishing purported names of witnesses may amount to interference with the administration of justice, because it reduces the confidence of both actual witnesses and the public, in the ability and the will of the Tribunal to protect its witnesses.
Judge Baragwanath has now withdrawn himself from the case and Judge Nicola Lettieri will hear the case.
The accused may choose whether to appear at the court in person or by video-link.
The initial appearances of the accused are scheduled for May 13th, the statement added. (end) nk.mb