Last month, the UN's chief investigator, Detlev Mehlis, pressed his inquiries still closer.

ECONOMIST: A rather convenient suicide | The

The investigator, German prosecutor Detlev Mehlis, took a low-key approach that contrasted sharply with the tenor of his report, which cited witnesses who named Syrian and Lebanese officials as suspects in the assassination.

NPR: U.S., France to Urge Syrian Help with U.N. Probe

Despite assurances from President Bashar Assad, it has so far not allowed direct questioning of at least five officials sought by the chief investigator, Detlev Mehlis, a German prosecutor experienced in terrorism cases.

ECONOMIST: Lebanon

Mr. DETLEV MEHLIS (UN Investigator): The commission is of the view that this would provide yet another opportunity for the Syrian authorities to show greater and meaningful cooperation and to provide any relevant, substantial evidence on the assassination.

NPR: U.S., France to Urge Syrian Help with U.N. Probe

Although nobody has yet been tried or convicted for this murder, Detlev Mehlis, the diligent German prosecutor appointed by the Security Council to undertake an independent investigation, reported this week that many leads point directly towards Syria's top security officials (see article).

ECONOMIST: Syria