NNA - The Hague - The Special Tribunal for Lebanon's official spokesman Martin Yousef on Monday confirmed in an interview with the National News Agency that the Special Tribunal for Lebanon was unreservedly legal and strictly judicial, denying allegations that the tribunal has been politicized and served as a tool to pressure any political team.


Martin's words came in response to a question about Syrian President Bashar Assad's recent interview with AFP, in which the latter expressed belief that the STL was politicized and is intended to put pressure on Hezbollah in Lebanon.



"We're in a stage where only persons are being accused. We're not accusing any specific political team or government. The accused enjoy the full right to be defended and the most substantial part of this court is the opportunity to hear those who are mostly affected," Yousef said.



Yousef also explained that during today's session, the defence lawyers for Mustafa Badreddine and Hussein Oneissi were expected to outline a strategy that relies on questioning the validity of telecommunications evidence presented by the prosecution.



"They are entitled to approximately four hours to present their alternative theories, whereas tomorrow will be a day off for sessions to resume on Wednesday to hear the testimonies of 8 witnesses," Yousef added.


======================R.H.