Blog #4: Hariri Court Begins Hearing on Terror Charges

Hariri Court Begins Hearing on Terror Charges
Kaitlyn Toomes
February 11, 2011
12:38PM

Lebanon Attempts to Define Terrorism

In Lebanon a trial is being held to decide on "how to define the crime of terrorism." This trial has become necessary in determining how to charge the Lebanese killers of the ex-premier Rafiq Hariri. In efforts to decide what terrorism pertains to, the judge will look at "how the crimes of terrorism, conspiracy and premeditated murder should be defined, and under which law -- Lebanese or international or both." As of now, terrorism is defined as people who "create a public danger such as explosive devices, inflammable materials, toxic or corrosive products and infectious or microbial agents." Surprisingly both the prosecution and the defence office agree that the "tribunal should apply only Lebanese laws, which guides its operations, in defining terrorism." Over the duration much will be discussed, argued, and reviewed, but one thing is certain: the judges will make a decision about how the world responds to one of the world's greatest social problems, terrorism.

I think the world would agree that the death of ex-premier Rafiq Hariri is a tragic crime. However, it is obvious that the world does not agree on the type of crime his tragic death is. As of now, the Lebanese government is trying to determine if his death is truly a form of terrorism. According to the law set forth by Lebanon presently his death is not a result of terrorism. However, taking out a government official can harm a nation. Therefore, I believe that the killers should be tried as terrorist. Past experiences show that assassinations can have tragic effects on nations and even the world. I need not remind anyone of Franz Ferdinand's assignation. Regardless of what the courts decide the killers deserve a harsh punishment, because to Hariri's family it does not matter what law his death falls under, he will still be gone no matter what the outcome is.

Source:

Hariri Court Begins Hearing on Terror Charges

Hariri court begins hearing on terror charges. (2011, February 7). Retrieved from http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALegM5g9c-FQjP2dNIkX0bWjSdc8saqLOA?docld=CNG.30a945d880fb0c467a82e584423dac3f.2e1