Michael is joined by Nick Kaldas, former NSW deputy police commissioner, to discuss his view on the Tribunal verdict on the assassination of Lebanon Prime Minister Rafic Hariri, which occurred on 14 February 2005, when explosives equivalent to around 1,800 kilograms of TNT concealed inside a parked Mitsubishi van were detonated as his motorcade drove near the St. George Hotel in Beirut.

Mr Kaldas, who was seconded to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon in 2009, says the verdict is disappointing in many ways, but there are positives.

He writes, ‘of the four accused of murdering Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, one was been found guilty, and three found not guilty.’

‘This investigation and the tribunal itself were historic. It has been the first serious attempt to hold to account those who killed within a cult of impunity in Lebanon.’

‘Moreover, the conviction of a lead individual, who is clearly a Hezbollah operative, was achieved against all the odds and has enormous significance for Lebanon and the Middle East.’

‘One hopes the verdict brings some comfort to the victims’ loved ones, incomplete though it is.’

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