Hariri tribunal: Lebanese expats in UAE not sure of what the verdict means

Top Stories

Bahiya Hariri, Hariri tribunal, Lebanese
Bahiya Hariri, sister of Lebanon's former prime minister Rafik Hariri, reacts after visiting his grave in Beirut. Reuters

Dubai - Lebanese expats in the UAE said they were "unsure" what change it could bring to their country.

by

Marie Nammour

  • Follow us on
  • google-news
  • whatsapp
  • telegram

Published: Wed 19 Aug 2020, 7:07 AM

Last updated: Wed 19 Aug 2020, 11:52 AM

More than 15 years after the assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri, the verdict of the Special International Tribunal for Lebanon was released on Tuesday. The long wait may have been officially over, but Lebanese expats in the UAE said they were "unsure" what change it could bring to their country. Many others did not have much to say.
"I don't doubt the international court but as per my knowledge of our Lebanese regime, there will be at least a party of many that will not like the court decision. Hence, a fight might start thereafter. We all somehow know who killed Hariri, may Allah have mercy upon him," said Abir Chamas, a Lebanese banker. 
"I am not sure what kind of change we are expecting out of the decision. I am pretty sure though that a deal between leaders of Lebanese political parties was agreed upon, and that is why they could announce the results only now (after 15 years). What is happening now is  only the announcement to the public. I am not sure what we are waiting for after all these years."  She pointed out that she thinks a settlement has just been reached in the case and it is now being announced. "Otherwise, it would have been announced earlier."
Another Lebanese expat, Lea Telyani, echoed the sentiment.   "As much as I trust the international court's verdict, I know well how the accused in the case will deny the charges. Hope that the judgement will shape the Lebanese politics later on," said the chemist.
"Over 15 years after the assassination, justice delayed is justice denied." 
Hariri and 21 others were killed in a huge bomb attack on February 14, 2005.
mary@khaleejtimes.com
 


More news from