Lebanese Prime Minister-designate, Saad Hariri, at a hearing for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, along with family members of other victims last year.
Lebanese Prime Minister-designate, Saad Hariri, at a hearing for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, along with family members of other victims last year.
Lebanese Prime Minister-designate, Saad Hariri, at a hearing for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, along with family members of other victims last year.
Lebanese Prime Minister-designate, Saad Hariri, at a hearing for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, along with family members of other victims last year.

Lebanon

Victims urge UN to find cash for Special Tribunal for Lebanon

Special court is "the last hope for rule of law and justice in Lebanon"

Gareth Browne
Gareth Browne

June 01, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

The families of those killed in a wave of assassinations have called on the United Nations to find funding to keep the Special Tribunal for Lebanon alive, as the court faces an existential financial crisis that could see an imminent trial fall through.

A letter signed by three lawyers representing dozens of victims says that the court’s collapse would “destroy the last hope for rule of law and justice in Lebanon” while sending an alarming message to the perpetrators of the crimes.

The tribunal was set up to investigate the assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri in a car bombing in 2005. It was also given a mandate to investigate a wave of targeted killings against other figures critical of Syria's role in Lebanon in the run-up to Hariri's murder.

Yet reports last week indicated that the court had run out of money and was facing serious challenges to its continued operation. Lebanon is in the throes of a crippling financial crisis which has left its government unable to pay its share of the court’s operating costs, while international donors have not been forthcoming.

The tribunal’s mandate was extended in February for an additional two years.

A second trial for Salim Ayash, who was convicted in absentia of Hariri’s murder, is set to begin on June 16. The case includes 31 individuals among them family members of those killed and injured in three attacks believed to be linked to the Hariri assassination. Ayash is the prime suspect in the assassination attempts against Marwan Hamade, Georges Hawi, and Elias El Murr - three figures who faced attempts on their lives in the period around Hariri's death.

A letter from the victims to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres says the message of the court’s collapse would be one of impunity. The letter, dated May 22, 2021, was leaked to the media only on Monday.

“If the funding of the Tribunal is not secured and case STL-18-10 is abruptly terminated, this will be a negative message to the victims who have awaited justice and accountability for an extensive period of time," the letter reads.

"Moreover, it will be a message of encouragement to the perpetrators to commit further terrorist acts without deterrence or fear.”

“The termination of proceedings at the Tribunal will destroy the last hope for rule of law and justice in Lebanon,” it adds.

Ayash’s current whereabouts are unknown.

  • Supporters of Al-mustaqbal (Future) Movement read a verse of the Quran next to the grave of late former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri in downtown Beirut, Lebanon. EPA
    Supporters of Al-mustaqbal (Future) Movement read a verse of the Quran next to the grave of late former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri in downtown Beirut, Lebanon. EPA
  • Former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, Lebanese MP Elie Al Ferzly (left), Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdel-Latif Derian (third right), former Prime minister Fouad Seniora (second right) and Taymour Jumblat during a mass rally to mark the 15th anniversary of the assassination of his father late former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri, at his home, in downtown Beirut, Lebanon. EPA
    Former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, Lebanese MP Elie Al Ferzly (left), Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdel-Latif Derian (third right), former Prime minister Fouad Seniora (second right) and Taymour Jumblat during a mass rally to mark the 15th anniversary of the assassination of his father late former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri, at his home, in downtown Beirut, Lebanon. EPA
  • Lebanese former prime minister Saad Hariri speaks during a ceremony marking the 15th anniversary of the assassination of his father and former Lebanese premier, in Beirut. AFP
    Lebanese former prime minister Saad Hariri speaks during a ceremony marking the 15th anniversary of the assassination of his father and former Lebanese premier, in Beirut. AFP
  • Supporters of Lebanon's al-Mustaqbal ('Future') movement wave their flags while riding on a bus as they arrive to attend the 15th anniversary commemoration of the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri in Beirut, Lebanon. EPA
    Supporters of Lebanon's al-Mustaqbal ('Future') movement wave their flags while riding on a bus as they arrive to attend the 15th anniversary commemoration of the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri in Beirut, Lebanon. EPA
  • Girls pray at the grave of former Lebanese prime minister Rafik al-Hariri, marking the 15th anniversary of his assassination, in downtown Beirut, Lebanon. Reuters
    Girls pray at the grave of former Lebanese prime minister Rafik al-Hariri, marking the 15th anniversary of his assassination, in downtown Beirut, Lebanon. Reuters
  • Lebanese former prime minister Saad Hariri speaks during a ceremony marking the 15th anniversary of the assassination of his father and former Lebanese prime minister, in Beirut. AFP
    Lebanese former prime minister Saad Hariri speaks during a ceremony marking the 15th anniversary of the assassination of his father and former Lebanese prime minister, in Beirut. AFP
  • Lebanese former prime minister Saad Hariri waves as he attends a ceremony marking the 15th anniversary of the assassination of his father and former Lebanese premier, in Beirut. AFP
    Lebanese former prime minister Saad Hariri waves as he attends a ceremony marking the 15th anniversary of the assassination of his father and former Lebanese premier, in Beirut. AFP
  • Supporters of former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, chant slogans as they listen to him, during a ceremony to mark the 15th anniversary of the assassination of his father, former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, in Beirut, Lebanon. AP Photo
    Supporters of former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, chant slogans as they listen to him, during a ceremony to mark the 15th anniversary of the assassination of his father, former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, in Beirut, Lebanon. AP Photo
  • Supporters of Lebanon's former prime minister Saad Hariri carry flags as they ride on a pick up truck, marking the 15th anniversary of the assassination of his father, former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri, in Beirut, Lebanon. Reuters
    Supporters of Lebanon's former prime minister Saad Hariri carry flags as they ride on a pick up truck, marking the 15th anniversary of the assassination of his father, former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri, in Beirut, Lebanon. Reuters
  • Supporters of Lebanon's al-Mustaqbal ('Future') movement wave their flags while riding on a bus as they arrive to attend the 15th anniversary commemoration of the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri in Beirut, Lebanon. EPA
    Supporters of Lebanon's al-Mustaqbal ('Future') movement wave their flags while riding on a bus as they arrive to attend the 15th anniversary commemoration of the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri in Beirut, Lebanon. EPA
Results

2-15pm: Commercial Bank Of Dubai – Conditions (TB) Dh100,000 (Dirt) 1,400m; Winner: Al Habash, Patrick Cosgrave (jockey), Bhupat Seemar (trainer)

2.45pm: Al Shafar Investment – Handicap (TB) Dh80,000 (D) 1,200m; Winner: Day Approach, Ray Dawson, Ahmad bin Harmash

3.15pm: Dubai Real estate Centre – Handicap (TB) Dh80,000 (D) 1,600m; Winner: Celtic Prince, Richard Mullen, Rashed Bouresly

3.45pm: Jebel Ali Sprint by ARM Holding – Listed (TB) Dh500,000 (D) 1,000m; Winner: Khuzaam, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson

4.15pm: Shadwell – Conditions (TB) Dh100,000 (D) 1,600m; Winner: Tenbury Wells, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer

4.45pm: Jebel Ali Stakes by ARM Holding – Listed (TB) Dh500,000 (D) 1,950m; Winner: Lost Eden, Andrea Atzeni, Doug Watson

5.15pm: Jebel Ali Racecourse – Handicap (TB) Dh76,000 (D) 1,950m; Winner: Rougher, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson

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Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance: the specs

Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 plus rear-mounted electric motor

Power: 843hp at N/A rpm

Torque: 1470Nm N/A rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 8.6L/100km

On sale: October to December

Price: From Dh875,000 (estimate)

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The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cyl turbo

Power: 194hp at 5,600rpm

Torque: 275Nm from 2,000-4,000rpm

Transmission: 6-speed auto

Price: from Dh155,000

On sale: now

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On Women's Day

The Gentlemen

Director: Guy Ritchie

Stars: Colin Farrell, Hugh Grant 

Three out of five stars

Libya's Gold

UN Panel of Experts found regime secretly sold a fifth of the country's gold reserves. 

The panel’s 2017 report followed a trail to West Africa where large sums of cash and gold were hidden by Abdullah Al Senussi, Qaddafi’s former intelligence chief, in 2011.

Cases filled with cash that was said to amount to $560m in 100 dollar notes, that was kept by a group of Libyans in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

A second stash was said to have been held in Accra, Ghana, inside boxes at the local offices of an international human rights organisation based in France.

Classification of skills

A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation. 

A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.

The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000. 

Price, base / as tested From Dh173,775 (base model)
Engine 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo, AWD
Power 249hp at 5,500rpm
Torque 365Nm at 1,300-4,500rpm
Gearbox Nine-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined 7.9L/100km

On Women's Day
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

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Company profile

Name: Oulo.com

Founder: Kamal Nazha

Based: Dubai

Founded: 2020

Number of employees: 5

Sector: Technology

Funding: $450,000

The specs: 2019 Mercedes-Benz C200 Coupe


Price, base: Dh201,153
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Power: 204hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 300Nm @ 1,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.7L / 100km

MATCH INFO

Sheffield United 2 Bournemouth 1
United: Sharp (45 2'), Lundstram (84')
Bournemouth: C Wilson (13')

Man of the Match: Jack O’Connell (Sheffield United)

Why it pays to compare

A comparison of sending Dh20,000 from the UAE using two different routes at the same time - the first direct from a UAE bank to a bank in Germany, and the second from the same UAE bank via an online platform to Germany - found key differences in cost and speed. The transfers were both initiated on January 30.

Route 1: bank transfer

The UAE bank charged Dh152.25 for the Dh20,000 transfer. On top of that, their exchange rate margin added a difference of around Dh415, compared with the mid-market rate.

Total cost: Dh567.25 - around 2.9 per cent of the total amount

Total received: €4,670.30 

Route 2: online platform

The UAE bank’s charge for sending Dh20,000 to a UK dirham-denominated account was Dh2.10. The exchange rate margin cost was Dh60, plus a Dh12 fee.

Total cost: Dh74.10, around 0.4 per cent of the transaction

Total received: €4,756

The UAE bank transfer was far quicker – around two to three working days, while the online platform took around four to five days, but was considerably cheaper. In the online platform transfer, the funds were also exposed to currency risk during the period it took for them to arrive.

Whiile you're here
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
While you're here

Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.

Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.

“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.

“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.

Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.

From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.

Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.

BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.

Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.

Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.

“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.

“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.

“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”

What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

EA Sports FC 25
Al Jazira's foreign quartet for 2017/18

Romarinho, Brazil

Lassana Diarra, France

Sardor Rashidov, Uzbekistan

Mbark Boussoufa, Morocco

School uniforms report
Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

Power: 254hp

Torque: 390Nm

Price: From Dh126,000

Available: Now

From Europe to the Middle East, economic success brings wealth - and lifestyle diseases

A rise in obesity figures and the need for more public spending is a familiar trend in the developing world as western lifestyles are adopted.

One in five deaths around the world is now caused by bad diet, with obesity the fastest growing global risk. A high body mass index is also the top cause of metabolic diseases relating to death and disability in Kuwait,  Qatar and Oman – and second on the list in Bahrain.

In Britain, heart disease, lung cancer and Alzheimer’s remain among the leading causes of death, and people there are spending more time suffering from health problems.

The UK is expected to spend $421.4 billion on healthcare by 2040, up from $239.3 billion in 2014.

And development assistance for health is talking about the financial aid given to governments to support social, environmental development of developing countries.

 

Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

On Women's Day
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
MATCH INFO

Real Madrid 2 (Benzema 13', Kroos 28')
Barcelona 1 (Mingueza 60')

Red card: Casemiro (Real Madrid)

Henrik Stenson's finishes at Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship:

2006 - 2
2007 - 8
2008 - 2
2009 - MC
2010 - 21
2011 - 42
2012 - MC
2013 - 23
2014 - MC
2015 - MC
2016 - 3
2017 - 8

While you're here

Company Profile 

Founder: Omar Onsi

Launched: 2018

Employees: 35

Financing stage: Seed round ($12 million)

Investors: B&Y, Phoenician Funds, M1 Group, Shorooq Partners

Her most famous song

Aghadan Alqak (Would I Ever Find You Again)?

Would I ever find you again
You, the heaven of my love, my yearning and madness;
You, the kiss to my soul, my cheer and
sadness?
Would your lights ever break the night of my eyes again?
Would I ever find you again?
This world is volume and you're the notion,
This world is night and you're the lifetime,
This world is eyes and you're the vision,
This world is sky and you're the moon time,
Have mercy on the heart that belongs to you.

Lyrics: Al Hadi Adam; Composer: Mohammed Abdel Wahab

Antonio GuterresLebanonHezbollah