A "Miracle" trial that constitutes no courtroom, no first trial date & no known judges!!!

By: Mariette le Roux

THE HAGUE: The tribunal created to try the suspected killers of former Lebanese Premier Rafik Hariri opened near The Hague Sunday with no courtroom, no first trial date and its judges' identities a secret. The Special Tribunal for Lebanon was officially launched in a ceremony on Sunday, but it could be years before any suspect is brought before a judge.

"There is a lot of work left to turn this into a court," registrar Robin Vincent told journalists at the seat of the tribunal, the former headquarters of the Dutch intelligence service in Leidschendam, this week.

The courtroom itself, to be housed in what was a gymnasium used by spies, is not expected to be completed before November, he said.

As for the date of the first hearing, "that depends on the success the prosecutor [Daniel Bellemare] has in pursuing his investigation. Only the prosecutor knows how advanced his investigations are."

While the courtroom may not be ready, the tribunal already has a separate wing of holding cells at the Dutch penitentiary in Scheveningen, which "is operational, staffed and ready to receive anyone we get," Vincent said.

A facility could be prepared in the tribunal building in case a trial space is required earlier than expected.

Vincent said the tribunal would have a staff of 350 in its first year, and a budget of $51.4 million (40 million euros) of which the Lebanese government would contribute 49 percent.

"They have already made a significant down payment," said the registrar, adding he was encouraged by pledges for the remaining 51 percent from members of the UN.

"We have more than enough money ... as far as this year is concerned. The finances of this tribunal are in an extremely healthy state."

The tribunal will apply the Lebanese penal code, and victims of those convicted can seek compensation from Lebanese courts.