Scarred Lebanon braces for Hariri killing verdict

Hariri, a Sunni Muslim billionaire, had close ties with the United States, Western and Sunni Arab allies. His assassination plunged Lebanon into what was then its worst crisis since the 1975-90 civil war, leading to the withdrawal of Syrian forces and setting the stage for years of confrontation between rival political forces.

The Shi’ite Muslim group Hezbollah has denied any involvement in the Feb. 14, 2005 bombing.

The case has been overshadowed by the even bigger Beirut blast this month — the largest in Lebanon’s history — that killed 178 people and drew outraged demands for accountability.

The verdict in The Hague may further complicate an already tumultuous situation after the Aug. 4 blast and the resignation of the government backed by Hezbollah and its allies.

The judgment had initially been expected earlier this month, but was delayed after the port explosion.

The investigation and trial in absentia of the four Hezbollah members has taken 15 years and cost roughly $1 billion.

The blast that killed Hariri took place on Feb. 14, 2005, and DNA evidence showed it was carried out by a male suicide bomber who was never identified.

During the trial, victims spoke powerfully in court about lost family members. The reading of the verdict, which is scheduled to last six hours, is being broadcast by video, with only a handful of public and press allowed into the courtroom due to the coronavirus pandemic. Hariri’s son Saad is expected to attend.

Court-appointed lawyers said there is no physical evidence linking the defendants to the crime and they should be acquitted.

END