By virtue of Article 2 of the Code of Civil Procedures, international treaties, covenants, and conventions ratified by Lebanon are binding and applicable domestically. Lebanon has ratified the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights 1976 (ICCPR). Of relevance is Article 14 of the ICCPR, which provides that an accused has the right to be present and defend in person, or through counsel of his or her choice, to be advised of these rights, and to be afforded counsel without cost if indigent.
Domestic laws
Domestically, legal aid in criminal and civil cases is prescribed by statute and the relevant laws mandate the availability of aid including the procedures2.