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| Africa: West |
| Chucky Appeals War Crimes Charge |
| 2003-10-31 |
| A United Nations-backed court in Sierra Leone has begun hearing appeals against their indictments from some of those accused of war crimes. The case of Liberia’s former president, Charles Taylor, accused of supporting rebels in neighbouring Sierra Leone is the first to be heard. The Special Court for Sierra Leone was set up to try those bearing the greatest responsibility in the atrocities and so far 13 people have been indicted. A BBC West African analyst says unlike most of those indicted, Mr Taylor continues to live in luxury in a presidential guest house in south-eastern Nigeria. However, the moment he does try to go anywhere he could be seized and handed over to the court. Also if he keeps trying to control events in Liberia and a bunch of Nigerian troops get killed. His lawyer is arguing that the indictment should never have been brought, because while Mr Taylor was president of Liberia he enjoyed sovereign immunity, and in any case he was operating in Liberia, not Sierra Leone, and Liberia is outside the court’s jurisdiction. "He never set foot in Sierra Leone, he just sent arms, er... gifts." Of the 12 other appeals to be heard, nine defendants are in custody in Sierra Leone and at least two have died. Several others are also challenging their indictments. They are expected to argue, among other things, that the court is unconstitutional and that they had been granted amnesty from prosecution as part of the peace agreement. If somebody was stupid enough to put that in writing, then they may very well get off. One of the most high profile cases is that of former interior minister Sam Hinga Norman, who during the war ran a pro-government militia, but was arrested in March. He denies charges of unlawful killings, terrorising the civilian population and using child soldiers. His lawyer is expected to argue that while using child soldiers may be repugnant it is not a crime under international law. |
| Posted by:Steve |
| #3 They should hold all of these trials in Kenya where more revenue can be generated from this activity. |
| Posted by: Super Hose 2003-10-31 12:07:30 PM |
| #2 Frank G, don't let him rethink that arguement. I rather like the thought of Chucks heart getting torn out of his body. Just make sure he's alive when they do it. |
| Posted by: Charles 2003-10-31 11:57:06 AM |
| #1 His lawyer is expected to argue that while using child soldiers may be repugnant it is not a crime under international law - It's an African tradition! yeah, well so is killing a captured rival chieftain and eating his heart, Sam. Wanna rethink that argument? |
| Posted by: Frank G 2003-10-31 8:49:28 AM |