Central discussion forum
What do you think of the trial? You can use this central discussion forum to share your thoughts, opinions and analysis. Please also note that there is a possibility to comment on individual posts on the front page.
If you have thoughts and suggestions for this website, please also share those!
June 3, 2007 at 3:01 pm
This is a welcome development, keep it up. As Nigerian victim of Charles Taylor wickedness, I am open for any contribution or collaboration.
Thank you for doing the good job.
David O. Anyaele
Executive Director
CENTRE FOR CITIZENS WITH DISABILITY
LAGOS, NIGERIA.
Tel: +234 1 874 5979
Mobile: +234 803 397 7025
E-mail: daanyaele@yahoo.com
Website:www.ccdnigeria.org
June 4, 2007 at 8:10 am
If today Taylor is facing justice which is a welcome news for his support to the rebels in my country Sierr leone,Why not Kabba who also supported the Cdf? Or is the trial a political decision or for want of justice?
If the SCSL wants to maintain it’s credibility which they have lost since THE HERO NORMAN died in there hands,gruops like you must call for the INDICTMENT OF PRESIDENT KABBA who openly supported and armed the CDF.
June 4, 2007 at 10:20 am
it is amusing that Charles Taylor who had no regard for law is talking about the constitution of a court set up by the united nations. When he took up arms unilaterally invaded Liberia, causing a civil war that led to the death of thousands of innocent lives, did he not realise that one day the law of nemesis will come. He could have gone to court if he felt Liberia was not being ruled constitutionally to demand that General Doe abide by the constitution. he failed to do so because he felt there was a better way of doing it, that is resorting to arms. Quite a number of Ghanaian and Nigerian civilians who had nothing to do with his hatred for the Doe administration were killed because ECOMOG had arrived in Liberia at the time that they did.
Whatever his desires Charles Taylor must be forced to go into the court.
If the court wants to show respect to Charles Taylor and listen to his rantings from the side lines, the court might as well let the lawyers respond to the charges on behalf of the Taylor. After all they felt safe going to the court to read his letter of refusal to attend.
June 4, 2007 at 12:32 pm
The trial of Charles Taylor has begun on today, 4 June 07 in Europe. But to hear that there is only one lawyer against several prosecutors is strange but worst of all to learn that Taylor himself has dismissed the trial as “charade” and had boycotted the opening session is a sign of strength or weakness? To my mind it is a sign of great strength in the truth: did Taylor set foot on Sierra Leone to do those things such as “rape” how can he be charged for an act of rape when it wasn’t his penis that was used because he wasn’t on the scene. However, the trail for most Wet african is an eye opener because it has to be SHARED: the prosecution has to be shared with the Presidents of Sierra Leone, Guinea and Ivory coast for doing the same things Tayor is accused of now: supporting a war in a neighboring country.
June 4, 2007 at 3:28 pm
Do you remember the decade of the 90s, and the infamous “vision 20-24″ slogan that floated across Liberia later on? Well, it is vision 2007 for Justice now! And that is about to strike the core. I mean hitting the nail on the head where it belongs. Oh my goodness! It reminds me about the Nazi General who pulsed for a while on the dock and said, “I didn’t think that it would reach this point.”
Not hard to tell, since the Genocidal Maniac discarded thousands and thousands of innocent lives in rivers and mangrove swamps; cut off limbs, cut off arms and ears; and maimed pregnant women! The victims speak beyond their graves as the mutilated Moms,Dads and Children in Sierra Leone shout for Justice every second. Now is the Time!!!
June 4, 2007 at 5:20 pm
Good to hear that Taylor is facing trial today. That is good news for the region, continent and the world as well. What remain unclear is: what will happen to presidents of: Ivory Coast, Mali, Bokina Faso, Guinea, who also rendered some kind of assistance to rebels to enter Liberia and commited crimes?
If justice is to be done, it should start with the Ivory Coast where Charles Taylor started his journey of fantasy and nightmare. Ivory Coast, Bokina Faso and Mali encouraged, assisted and conducted physical activities during both the Liberian and Sierra Leonean wars.
Probably Charles thinks that by refusing to appear, he will not explain what happened. That is a joke. At least, let him appear and tell the truth he has always said.
He is not afraid to speak the truth, now is the time.
sfk
June 4, 2007 at 6:12 pm
I have interest in the case seen if there be justice.
June 4, 2007 at 10:34 pm
While I do not oppose Taylor being tried in Europe, it is a shame that those who created him are now pretending to be “clean,” especially so when they instructed him and Thomas Woewiyu to level Monrovia and they would rebuild it. Go back to the early days of the massacre when Liberia’s current president made the statement on BBC.
Hypocrisy must be exposed to heal the land.
Chief Dorsemeh
Washington, DC
June 4, 2007 at 10:36 pm
Is Taylor being tried for the human tragedy in Sierra Leone and Liberia, or are the Brits mad because Sa’Lone diamonds were being taken from them? Let’s wait and see.
June 5, 2007 at 12:31 pm
As a researcher in international criminal law, this is an interesting case to follow and the developments taking place there on, a pointer in direction to study the implications on international law and international trial process per se..
Good work!
D.Sridhar Patnaik
Assistant Professor
Indian Society of International Law
V.K.Krishna Menon Bhawan
9, Bhagwan Dass Road
New Delhi 110 001, India
June 5, 2007 at 1:11 pm
Liberia’s current woes began when the Association for Constitutional Democracy in Liberia (ACDL), then a Washington, DC-based pressure movement, was used as a launching pad to oust President Samuel Doe from power.
The war was said to have been planned, executed, supported and defended by Amos Sawyer, Ellen Sirleaf, Tom Woewiyu, Cyril Allen, Charles Brumskine, Romeo Horton, Chu Chu Horton, Taylor E. Major and their flunkeys. On December 24, 1989, the rebel National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) entered Liberia through Butuo, Nimba County. Peace has since continued to elude Liberia.
Am a Ghanaian but I have been following the every event as it happened in Liberia. Charles Taylor deciding to leave government willingly as an elected President of LIBERIA to Nigeria and his arrest just minutes at the border to Cameroon when Obasnajo was about to meet that George W. BUSH man of the united States of America, I say so because he could have decided to have fought the LAUD REBELS founded and supported by the United States Government. While I do not support the crimes done by Charles Taylor its my opinion that every single person who was involved in the WAR in Liberia like current president of Liberia Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Amos Sawyer, Tom Woewiyu, Cyril Allen, Charles Brumskine, Romeo Horton, Chu Horton, Taylor E. Major and many more should not be left out of this Trial.
Let me ask a few question here who gave out the first trench of money to found the war? Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. How much time has Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf tried to overthrow the government of President Samuel Doe? Twice and Charles Taylor succeeded the third time. What happened when Charles Taylor was about to enter Monrovia? She wanted to lead the Rebels into Monrovia. How did two commanders of Charles Taylor form their rebel group? Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf did to defeat Charles Taylor. Its a shame! What did Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf say on BBC Focus on Africa? “Level Monrovia and we will rebuild it”
And this is to all those who claim to be human rights activist, there will be NO JUSTICE UNTIL ALL THOSE INVOLVED IN THE WAR ARE BROUGHT TO BOOK AND NOT ONLY Charles Taylor
Nii Darku
niidarku@gmail.com
Accra, Ghana
June 5, 2007 at 2:44 pm
It is known world over that, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and Amos Sawyer planned the Liberian war in Washington and recruited Charles Taylor from prison in Boston to persecute it. So my question to all the so called human rights activist If Taylor must be tried why not the real architects?
June 6, 2007 at 8:05 pm
Taylor is entitled to his day in court and he has every right to defend himself. This may be a good lesson for all Africans and those who aspire to become political leaders. Issues on Libya, Bakina Faso, Ivory coast, Arm merchants in Europe and the good old USA involvement may be made known to all of us(the public).
Most African leaders are like poodles or lap dogs for their former colonial masters because they have no intention of relinquishing power. Maybe we will begin to understand why practically all of our resources are exported to benefit others and not the african masses.
June 7, 2007 at 3:02 pm
They need to leave Charles Taylor alone. Why is he the only one being put on trial? other people were involved but we can’t see that huh? i guess u gotta used someone as the scape goat and put him away or kill him to shut him up. this is the legal way of doin it. Why is Ellen Johnson Sirleaf not being on trial? She was one of those who started the war and the killings with Mr. Taylor.
June 7, 2007 at 6:23 pm
My worry is that the country at the head of try Charles Taylor Campaign are the worst human rights offenders, to wit, the United States of America. so it is a nonesense trial Period.
June 8, 2007 at 7:35 pm
Hey,
Thanks again for this forum.
I like to respond a couple of concerns being raised over the trial of “Charlie-boy”: First, someone raised the issue that the venue of the trial would make it impossible for the most “affected peoples of Africa, Sierra Leoneans and Liberians” in particular to witness or paricipate in the investigation. I don’t agree with this argument because technological advancements have provided means by which distant interactions are now possible. for instance, if the United Nations or the governments of Sierra Leone and Liberia wanted to make the trails viewable to peoples of their countires, they could install satellite transmission centers in dissignated areas where peoplecould go and watch the dramas.If they are not sure of how this would work, I suggest that they contact the media center of World Christain Evangelist Billy Graham who uses the satellite communication system to reach millions of peoples around the world with the God’s redemptive messages. So, I don’t think distant is any more of a barrier than the willingness and desires of those clothed with the decision and power to act accordingly.
Secondly, I like to comment on two responses from your two of your viewers. The first responder said that Taylor should not be tried along with Ellen Prsident Ellen Sirleaf and others because according to him they all planned and facilitated the war. To this, I say the responder doesn’t quite understand the nature of Charles Taylor’s crimes for which he was indicted. Taylor is not being tried for war popular Liberian revolution that he later exploited for the selfish gains of himself, his family/relatives and members of his armed gangs. He is being tried for the atrocities he along with Foday Sankor planned and committed against the decent and ignocent peoples of Sierra Leone. Furthermore, as a Liberian and an eyewitness to both civil wars, I like to tell the responder that Ellen has no part in the Taylor and Foday Sankor arm incursion into Sierra Leone. Ellen and Taylor had a politcal disagreement when Taylor declare himself “president of Liberia” and fell apart in June 1990 while the Sierra Leone attacked was in 1991. So, it won’t be fair for Ellen to be tried for crimes that she didn’t commit.
Another responder said that he is worried that the USA who heads Taylor’s trial has the worst human rights records. Well, I can not speak for the United States. As a Liberian and one guided by moral conscience, I think such analogy would only make me sick! The atrocities commited against the ignocent people of our countries,Liberia and Sierra Leone, have got to be accounted for, period! The United States and other friendly countries upon hearing the cries, seeing the blood flow and bullets-raoded bodies and coming to help those poverty strickened,vulnerable and voiceless peoles can only be attributed to the redemptive love and grace of almighty God. No matter what their human rights records look like, one thing the peoples of Liberia and Sierra Leone can ever remember to say is: Thank God that you came to our rescue when we most needed you! God bless’the United States and other caring countries!
Finally, I think Taylor’s trial is a beginning step and message that there should be NO MORE ROOM FOR IMPUNITY IN AFRICA! Unless African leaders can be held accountable for their actions, our beloved continent will never RISE! Thanks.
June 11, 2007 at 9:43 am
”Bravoooo” or how can one express his joy to something one has actually be praying for to happen.Let me start by commending you guys for this great job you guys are doing there,we all black race say a big THANK YOU.
We all know the crime charles taylor commited before and while he was the president of liberia,hundreds of thousands of people died most especially young children.It was not only charles taylor that was involve in this madness,he gain a great support of the western word,they provide him all the weapons he needed and also supported him both in physical and moral aspect,and if justice is be done sincerely and fairly,the western countries and their black alies country should be bring to justice too.Millions of innocent blood that were killed are crying for justice and if this so call ”trial’ refuse to make justice see the light,almighty God will surely give his judgment.Please i want all the blacks to come together for a better africa future,no good thins the western world can do to us,they started the crazy war in liberia all because of diamond and are still doing in in zaire,ivory cost to mention few.God bless africa.
Badmus Oriyomi
Lagos Nigeria
+23408024747171
June 13, 2007 at 12:48 pm
Thanks very much for hosting this website.
Tetroien Nimley
Monrovia, Liberia
231-06-511956
June 14, 2007 at 8:14 pm
I think Mr. Taylor should use this opportunity to vindicate himself for the interest of the people of Liberia at most. Let him be truthful so that we can relive trust in him. He knows that foday sankoh operated from Gbarnga. He knows that Mosquito lived in Monrovia. He knows that he supported the invasion of sierra Leone. Let him tell the Liberian People the vested interest he had in sierra leone. This is only fair.
And speaking of fairness, could the Dokies have advocated fair trial for sam Dokie’s murder? Thank God he can request fair trial.
June 15, 2007 at 3:05 pm
according to Nii Darku, all Liberians should be put on trial.When Taylor declared his war, i can tell you that he had 95% support. So lets put the whole country on trail.
June 15, 2007 at 6:38 pm
Taylor’s family is crying in Liberia, claiming that their relative is entangled in an international web of conspiracy. But they were right in Monrovia when Sam “Mosquito” Bokare drove freely through the streets of Monrovia. They were there when Ghankay ordered the released of the UN observers held hostage by the RUF/AFRC in Sierra Leone. They were there when wounded rebels from Sierra Leone were treated at government medical facilities in Monrovia. This is just to name a few.
Taylor’s family should be happy that he is having his day in court and not summarily excuted as he treated others.
The entire trial is a test of international justice. The world is watching, but the people of Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea, are particular following this trial with interest and great anticipation.
June 16, 2007 at 4:45 pm
THE TAYLOR TRIAL BEGINS IN SPECTACULAR FASHION AS DRAMA BEGINS TO UNFOLD: IS THERE ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO WARRANT THE CONVICTION OF A FORMER LIBERIAN PRESIDENT FOR WAR CRIMES IN ANOTHER COUNTRY?
BY JEREMIAH J. KRINGAR HARRIS
June 4, 2007, marked the beginning of the trial of Charles Taylor, an event fraught with many possibilities and potentialities. For the first time in the short history of emerging Africa, a Former President must stand trial for crimes against humanity, not in the land over which he presided, but in a neighboring country. While this promises to add much drama, hoopla and media blitz to the trial, the concatenation of events preceding this extraordinarily historical saga, makes it extremely difficult to predict which pathway the trial might traverse as it meanders towards a conclusion. The drama, given the strange twist of events at the opening session, began with Taylor’s dismissal of his Defense Attorney. If his wishes are granted, Taylor will defend himself.
Charles Taylor was indicted for War Crimes in neighboring Sierra Leone while still President of Liberia. This, in itself, breeds defiance within the historical perspective of contemporary Africa, because no sitting President in this human rights flawed continent has ever been indicted for a crime in his/her own country, needless to say in another country, despite the atrocities. Liberia, at this juncture, has made no attempt to charge Taylor for the commission of any crimes, although conventional wisdom dictates otherwise. The heart of the matter is that after 14 years of internecine squabbles, which has rendered the organizational structure of Liberian Statehood utterly discombobulated, and plunged our beloved patrimony into the realm of Failed States, Liberians believe that reconciliation must be the bedrock upon which their country is rebuilt. As such, and as a fitting epitaph to the 250,000 souls who lost their lives in that great event of infamy in our existence as a people, most Liberians have concluded that the atrocities committed by the Warlords must be relegated to the doldrums of history as the nation makes a fresh start and reconfigures itself. I fully concur with this school of thought, because I am cognizant that pools of support exist in Liberia for these Errant Agents of violence and that the slightest miscalculation could exacerbate the problems that our nation must surmount as it seeks to regain its former esteem in the comity of nations.
Meanwhile, as the trial of Charles Taylor resumes on June 24, several nagging questions seem to coerce themselves to the forefront of most conversations and discussions among Liberians concerned for stability in the region. Can Taylor, they ask, receive a fair trial? Are those witnesses necessary for the testimonies that would corroborate the evidence gathered against him willing to come forth? Given the overzealousness with which the Sierra Leoneon authorities have plunged into the trial, could the rationale of their Prosecutors be irretrievably clouded and inevitably compromised? If this transpires, can justice be rendered in this case? Why is it, they continue, were there hardly any amputees in our Civil War as compared to the huge number of amputees in Sierra Leone? Did the Sierra Leone Warlords decapitate their own people and now the blame is being placed elsewhere deliberately?
Our nation has many hurdles to surmount as it ekes its way towards an era of stability, a better life for our people and a secured future for our children. As such, we cannot afford the luxury of another destabilizing conflict if our newly reconstituted democracy must rest on a solid cradle. One major conflict is enough for any nation, no matter how great. Liberians must resist the urge to embrace ideas that would melt the glue of solidarity which binds our people or risk the backpedaling of our nation into another era of chaos. We honor those who have paid with their lives in this senseless struggle, if we prioritize the unity of our nation.
June 17, 2007 at 12:49 am
why the world is wasting time, money and prolonging the life of this uncivilized satanic beast, a murderer, a blood sucker, the opposite of mankind (Charles Taylor), who have tortured and killed thousands of babies with their families for years. I am dismay when some of the writers are responding to this site, pleading for Charles Taylor. Shame on whoever manipulates tribalism to favour the beast to be a free man. Iam asking the International Criminal Justice system to quickly bring this trial to end. I am also anticipating that, the beast be offered to lions as thier morning breakfast. Again, I am strongly appealing to the world community to stop wasting funds on this easy and short matter. We need that money to help those that have been brutalize by the beast. We do not need another prolonged court trial to put money in the pockets of “Charles the Beast” so called money sucking manipulative lawyers. If this is not possible, please take “Charles the Beast” back to Sierra Leone or Liberia and let those that he brutalize for years put him on trial. I would like to be a member of that panel.”An eye for an eye.” Charles Taylor, I wish you bad luck, short life in the coming proceedings.
June 25, 2007 at 12:43 pm
I am very happy that this trial is taking place and Taylor is being held accountable for the crimes he masterminded in Sierra Leone. On a personal note, I find myself being involved on an emotional level as well. Even though I am an American, my wife is a Liberian, and I hold Charles Taylor personally responsible for ordering the murder of my father-in-law, Col. Thomas Doeway Sr. on Sept. 21, 1998 during the confrontation with Roosevelt Johnson.
I hope that some day Taylor will also be put on trial for the multitude of crimes he orchestrated in Liberia as well. However, other warlords who also used child soldiers to fight their way into power also stand out. One glaring and sickening example is Prince Yormie Johnson. This man is a psychopathic killer, who has committed numberous murders and is currently serving as a senator for Nimba County. He is famous for torturing the late President Doe who later died in his custody (it was intentionally filmed). Also, he murdered the popular singer Tecumsey Roberts for no apparent reason. Why is a mass murderer like Prince Johnson not behind bars? (Of course using child soldiers isn’t unique to Africa- Adolf Hitler also used child soldiers towards the end of WW2 when his regular troops were getting decimated).
Back to the Taylor trial, I do think it would have been better to try Taylor in Freetown, where the West African Press Corps would have better access, as well as the victims of the RUF, the sadistic militia that Taylor trained and funded. I realize that there were security issues involved, but the jail in Freetown was specifically upgraded to hold Taylor, so it seems a huge waste of money that it is not being used for that purpose.
I sympathize with those who state that this huge amount of money (used for the Taylor trial) could be put to better use housing Sierra Leoneans displaced by the war, or building farm to market roads, schools, etc. They have a point, however, if one wants to end the “culture of impunity” one must start from the top. I don’t believe in the death penalty, however life imprisonment seems like too light of a punishment for all the death and destruction Taylor has instigated. On the positive side, I am hoping that this trial will bring to light some of the operational mechanics of the Sierra Leone war, and answers to some of the victims families.
In terms of Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf’s own culpability, she apologized publicly at least twice while on the campaign trail for the “mistakes” she made when she was involved with the ACDL. Perhaps these apologies were not publicized as widely as they should have been. Apparently Sirleaf and Sawyer didn’t realize what kind of a rouge Taylor was at heart. Perhaps they were so focused on ousting Doe that nothing else mattered. But again, one cannot blame Sirleaf directly for the death and destruction in Sierra Leone since that was several years after her break with Taylor. Instead, I commend her for signing the warrant for his arrest and extradition from Nigeria so that this trial could take place.
Was Taylor also a CIA agent- or double agent- sent to spy on Qaddafi in Libya while getting arms training? Perhaps. Was his “jailbreak” from Massachusetts also arranged by the CIA? Who knows. Will this information come out during the trial? Probably not. At any rate, let the testimony begin, whether or not Taylor decides he wants to show up in the courtroom.
Those who care about West Africa want some answers.
June 25, 2007 at 9:21 pm
dear special court.
i’m happy to hear that taylor is on trial for what he’s committed.but,this is not the end.do you know that guinea,ivory coast are involved in the sierraleone and liberan crisis.why not indict lansana conte or laurent gbagbo?let me tell you something,taylor have family,we are learning.if and only if this trial is fair i rest my peace.but if not,sierra leone must prepare for another war.this time not charles taylor but freetown against monrovia.liberian must avenge their president.despite all the wicked stuff he did.peace!
June 26, 2007 at 2:39 pm
Following months and years of clarifications that Charles Taylor is not on trial for any crime he committed in Liberia but for his role in the Sierra Leonean war, Liberians and others are still confused and calling for the indictment of others for their involvement in the Liberian crisis.
Charles Taylor was indicted on June 4, 2003 by the UN backed Special Court for Sierra Leone. He is being held for alleged crimes he committed in Sierra Leone ranging from rape, kidnap, murder, torture, etc. The people of Sierra Leone agreed to set up that court to bring justice to their country following years of civil unrest.
Unlike the Sierra Leoneans, Liberians decided to set up a Truth and Reconciliation Commission where both victims and perpetrators of crimes would sit down and smoke the peace pipe. Until Liberians can overwhelmingly tell the international community that we too want a War Crimes Court to bring both justice and healing to us like the Sierra Leoneans, we should shut up and stop calling for the trial of people like President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
Taylor is in court for his involvement in the Sierra Leone war. He should stop boycotting the hearing. He should appear and prove that he’s innocent.
Samuel Barbay Gaye, Jr.
Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA
June 26, 2007 at 3:13 pm
Charles Taylor is not above the laws and he should pay price for his crimes. In the first place, he has no reason to send his so-called rebels into Sierra Leone to take away people life. I think his actions required him to be killed and all his properties should be take away from him. His properties in other countries should be sold and whatsoever amount recieved should be divided the the two countries.(Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Saye S. Gbalah
Brooklyn Park
Minnesota, USA
June 26, 2007 at 5:45 pm
Well it Chrale Taylor.I am glad he on trial but i am sad because the reason is not worth.If it for Liberia i will be happy because alot of big people will face justice.But these big people know what they do they play their card good.And leave Charles alone in the hole.Ellen i hope u remember what Gardifia said told u.You know Taylor and i know Taylor but u know him better then me because u both from the seam counrty.You kill Liberia and u prseident now.And u paying all the debts you owing other country.Because U borrow money to buy guns and support Taylor.Now u saying Liberia have to pay debt.Which one of our president credit all that money.You the first president that come with debt issue.You think we dont know u paying back money u borrow to buy gun for Taylor.You will face justice soon one day if u not face it ur children will also face it for u or ur grand children.
June 27, 2007 at 10:40 am
AFRICAN wake up.
TAYLOR is been used to prove a point.DID anybody sent tojustice all those african leaders who ordered the death of millions of AFRICAN?TAYLOR was supported by the U.S from day one as they do until you do not serve their purpose.please look at all the other leaders that AMERICA PUT to death as they are no longer needed?
the U.S has put in place a system that only serve their purpose.since when AFRICA has been making arms?NEVER-EUROPE AND THE U.S keep playing us everyday against each other and all we love doing is falling in theri games.all the nations are moving on and yet we african just keep moving backward.
TO TRIAL TAYLOR ,YOU NEED TO LOOK AT THE REAL CRIMINALS.YOU ALL WOULD HAVE DONE THE SAME IF YOU WERE IN HIS PLACE.WE LOVE POWER AND CORRUPTION IN AFRICA.WE LOVE LIVING FOR TODAY IN AFRICA.
BY THE WAY I’M FROM WEST AFRICA SO I KNOW WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT.
June 28, 2007 at 8:02 pm
With your blog, you have confirmed that the potential of the Internet is boundless. Thank you for making it possible for me to follow the twist-and-turn of the Taylor trial from almost anywhere in the world. This trial promises to hold significant ramafications for Africa’s future. Therefore, whatever the verdict, the message from the trial is unmistakenly clear: Never more will African leaders systematically brutalize the innocent masses with absolute impunity.
Once again, thank you for making this historic event accessible to a small but significant number of Africans.
William E. Allen, Ph.D. (Liberian)
Assistant Professor of African History
Kennesaw State University
USA
June 30, 2007 at 7:05 am
Well Iam glad that Charles Taylor on trial.The more important thing please try to keep him save because, he have more people that supported him doing the war.first person that credit millions of dollars from another country is Ellen Johnson sirleaf.I rememble during the war Ellen make a statement on BBC she said let the rebels do anything they will rebluid the conutry.Look to rebluid the country is notthing how about people life.they will rebluid the life too. liberian we should look in this.we need to get together,togetherness it can bring peace,and development.we know right now no freedom in Liberia because the same person supporting charles Taylor she is now a President in Liberia.I think she need to be on trial too.Please your need to ask Taylor.what get in his mind to take war to sirra Leone.
June 30, 2007 at 1:50 pm
I dont hold Taylor responsible for anything.Taylor was jail in the USA?hE HAD NO HOPE OF SEEING OUTSIDE THE HOICE eLLEN AND THE uS GORVEMENT LAY BEFOREZ HIM TO SEE OUTSIDE IS TO BRING WAR TO Liberia,so he was happy to acept to come and see his family but was also force to do what they ask him to do all else he will go back to jail.He only been trying to over hole ever since then.First he try to cover hole by going agaisnt them.and sencond to stay long outside he delay the war plan.third to enjoy sometime he figth hard to be president and make his family proud no matter what the world think of him.and he also made his family live good life.He did what he could because it was the only chocie he had to see the sun light also.Anybody on this earth will do the seam if they was in jail like taloy and they was gaving this chance.And now he run and they still cath him.it was George Bush father was prseident that was why Taylor never support George Bush to be president because he know he will hunt him doiwn to cover his father secret.Anyway the white always play with us,IUf they gave Taylor the chance he will go down but many will go down with him so they they scare many big name are involve.tAYLOR WAS A SPY FOR aMERRICA ON gARDIFFII BEFORE ALSO.IT A BIG STUFF AND HISTORY WE ARE LOOKING AT HERE IT BIG STUFF AND IF THE TRUTH COME OIUT BY ONE MAN ENOUGH PEOPLE WILL LOOSE SO THEY WILL DO ALL TO KEEP TAYLOR MOUTH CLOSE.AS HE SAID HE JUST SAW THE RPISON GATE OPEN AND HE WALK OUT AND THEN HE FIND HIMSELF IN lYBIA.
June 30, 2007 at 9:24 pm
It’s a good news that Charles Taylor’s trial is finally open; yet he still playing those same old games he used to play during the war in the 90s with the signing of ceasefire agreements and many other peace accords which he signed today and breaks tomorrow.Just to keep on enriching himself from both Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Remember mr.Taylor that what ever goes up much come down.Those old games are over and is time to answer questions.It was your last time to boycott your trial;you will not be given the third chance.
This is a message to all African leaders who are bad to their people and the African people in general.
We are watching you everyday.
July 3, 2007 at 2:09 pm
My fellow brethens, if we want to talk about peace in Liberia; I mean sustainable peace, we have to welcome every initiative by the International Tribunal, in the Hague, as they gear up to screw the con- man, Taylor; for his brutal curse that he inflamed on our generation. He was one of those that not only led rebellion into Liberia, but the sub- region; Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and the Ivory coast! What a devil agent he was; the one that brought darkness in our entire way of life. Curse unto the day he was born!
July 3, 2007 at 3:48 pm
My name is Jonathan M. Saah from Monrovia, Liberia. I know and the rest of the world also knows how bad our formal president was, but this trial should serve as an example for many African dictators that no crime go unpunished. Therefore as a Liberian I expect the court in the Hague to give Mr. Taylor a fair trial because this will ensure lasting peace in our country.
July 3, 2007 at 4:06 pm
Robert y Ban won from Monrovia,Liberia i am very happy of the trial of Mr. Taylor but my concern has to with Mr. Taylor been giving a free & fair trial because what so ever verdict comes out of the court the world at large is watching justice.
July 3, 2007 at 6:31 pm
Hey,
Another good news in the trial of “Chralie Boy!” At least he was made to understand that the days when he was the law and gospel of Liberia are far gone. I was deeply troubled and sick when I heard the first time that “Charlie Boy” had uniliterally dismissed his defense counsel and was going to defend himself in the court. My spirit is now quiet within me because the so-called former “president” of Liberia, better a tyrant and blood thirst gangster of Liberia, has finally conceded to respect the rule of law by appearing in the honorable court for his day of justice.
I feel helping “Charlie Boy” to undrestand that he can no longer take the laws into his own hands and act at will was a real good move by the Court. It is unimaginable that a defendent, especially one under criminal indictment, can also be a counselor let alone a judge to render decisions in the same case. So, I say BRAVO to the judges of the high court. Keep up the good work and help root out impunity in our beloved continent of Africa. WITH PEOPLE YOU ALL, NO DOUBTS, AFRICA WILL RISE! LONG LIVE THE CONTINENT AND PEOPLES OF MOTHER AFRICA!!
July 5, 2007 at 6:02 am
What about Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe ?
http://www.zimbabwesituation.com
July 7, 2007 at 12:59 pm
This thug, Charles Taylor belongs to a different planet. I wish the trial could be expecdited to get his terrible face off the paper and television for the goodness of civilization. Without a doubt the name must send millions of Liberians and Serra Leoneans a real chill and the rest of West Africa. This barberic man could only be best served being jailed for the rest of his life. I wish to have him along with his cohost. You are doing a terrific job by bringing this to the attention of the world. It is only my hope and prayer that what happens to this thug can send a strong message that never again will the lives of our people and innocent lives suffer so much.
Thanks
July 11, 2007 at 5:50 am
In Liberia we say: “if you pull rope, the rope will pull bush.”
I believe that Taylor should have his day in court; I mean a free and fair trial. We don’t expect the UN or ‘People of Good Will’ to bring themselves down to his so-called level.
I thought in the eyes of the law, the accused is innocent until proven guilty….?
Now, back to my openning statement. It takes more than one man/person to start a civil uprising:
1. Liberia never assembled nor manufactured arms and or ammunition.
2. Liberia has no industrial diamond processing plant.
3. Taylor was never seen in Seirra Leone branishing an AK-47 during their uprising, moreover to say he was caught on tape giving orders or murdering another humanbeing.
These are just a few points his defense team could put on the table. Those who came up with this whole Taylor indictment episode, should rethink their involvement, because it could come back to haunt them.
If Prince Y. Johnson can become a Senator in Liberia….. I think this is a mockery of justice.
I sympathised with the people of Seirra Leone, but it was Seirra Leoneans killing each other like Liberians killed each other.
I think it will be fair to indict and prosecute all those who benefitted from the war in Seirra Leone…. I’ll be back with part-2. Stay tuned.
July 12, 2007 at 6:52 pm
I am astounded by the naivete of some of the comments here. Meles kills his own people in Ethiopia and there is hardly a peep out of the west (including the Open Society Institute). Taylor’s Hague trial is not going to frighten dictators. The only signal that means anything to current and would-be African strong-men is the one Bush is sending regarding Meles: as long as you are supporting the so-called ‘war on terror’ you can do anything with impunity. Blaise Campaore and Kaddafi, Taylor’s former godfathers, are not spending restless nights worrying about the Hague court, which in any case was set up to make European liberals feel good about themselves and ease their guilty consciences.
Victor Bout, the 37 year old Russian arms merchant who sold the guns to Taylor and bought the diamonds from him, was also the Pentagon’s favourite private air transport contractor in Iraq until very recently. He was also a favoured United Nations contractor to ferry humanitarian supplies in Africa even while he was running guns for Taylor (and I should add for Savimbi and for all sides in the Congo war). I beg, read Douglas Farah’s new book, “Merchant of Death.”
As George Orwell put it in his great novel, Animal Farm, “the creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which.”
July 24, 2007 at 5:19 pm
Thanks for the good job.
If you can have someone to please answer my concern.
What part DOES the ACCORD that was signed ending the war play in this case knowing that some of the CHARGES occured during the war. As I read the ACCORD, it granted FREE PASSAGE to ALL that were involved.
Noko4
July 27, 2007 at 11:23 am
The case of the Liberian peace accord signed in Accra,Ghana,has nothing at all to do with the United Nation’s Sierra Leone Special Court for Charles Taylor,et al.
The first obviously addressed the ceasation of hostilities in the Liberia civil war only…the second is currently addressing the Sierra Leone civil war only and those responsible, over a stated period, for alledgedly committing the ‘greatest crimes’ against humanity in Sierra Leone.
Liberia is not yet Sierra Leone.
Richard
July 29, 2007 at 11:12 pm
Richard,
I am NOT talking about Liberia’s PEACE ACCORDS. There was one (LOME ACCORD) signed in July ‘99 that ended the war in Sierra Leone….what part(s) does/do it play in this case????
Take a look before you start off on the WRONG FOOT.
PEACE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE AND
THE REVOLUTIONARY UNITED FRONT OF SIERRA LEONE
————————————————————————-
THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE and
THE REVOLUTIONARY UNITED FRONT OF SIERRA LEONE (RUF/SL)
Having met in Lome, Togo, from the 25 May 1999, to 7 July 1999 under the auspices of the Current Chairman of ECOWAS, President Gnassingbe Eyadema;
Recalling earlier initiatives undertaken by the countries of the sub-region and the International Community, aimed at bringing about a negotiated settlement of the conflict in Sierra Leone, and culminating in the Abidjan Peace Agreement of 30 November, 1996 and the ECOWAS Peace Plan of 23 October, 1997;
ARTICLE IX
PARDON AND AMNESTY
1. In order to bring lasting peace to Sierra Leone, the Government of Sierra Leone shall take appropriate legal steps to grant Corporal Foday Sankoh absolute and free pardon.
2. After the signing of the present Agreement, the Government of Sierra Leone shall also grant absolute and free pardon and reprieve to all combatants and collaborators in respect of anything done by them in pursuit of their objectives, up to the time of the signing of the present Agreement.
3. To consolidate the peace and promote the cause of national reconciliation, the Government of Sierra Leone shall ensure that no official or judicial action is taken against any member of the RUF/SL, ex-AFRC, ex-SLA or CDF in respect of anything done by them in pursuit of their objectives as members of those organisations, since March 1991, up to the time of the signing of the present Agreement. In addition, legislative and other measures necessary to guarantee immunity to former combatants, exiles and other persons, currently outside the country for reasons related to the armed conflict shall be adopted ensuring the full exercise of their civil and political rights, with a view to their reintegration within a framework of full legality.
Noko4
July 31, 2007 at 9:11 am
Noko4,
The Special Court’s Appeals Chamber heard arguments on the issue of the Lome amnesty in pre-trial challenges to the indictments by the RUF and AFRC accused. The Chamber found that the amnesty could not apply before an international tribunal because it was merely an agreement between two national bodies (the RUF and the government). International crimes are held to be crimes against all of humanity, and thus international law trumps the domestic agreement. You can see a summary of the ruling here: http://www.sc-sl.org/summary-SCSL-04-15-PT-060.html. The full ruling is also available at the SCSL website, linked through this page: http://www.sc-sl.org/RUF-decisions.html.
It’s worth noting that the Appeals Chamber also heard a challenge by Charles Taylor’s attorney (the late Terrance Terry) on the basis of head-of-state immunity. That challenge was rigorously debated and also rejected. The summary of that decision is at: http://www.sc-sl.org/summary-SCSL-03-01-I-059.html.
August 1, 2007 at 7:29 pm
Eric,
Are we splitting hair??? Isn’t this court part of Sierra Leone??? And where in this world does INT’L LAW overrides a NATION LAW???
On the IMMUNITY line, Mr. Taylor was stating been a Head of State, he couldn’t come to court….which made SENSE then. He is NO LONGER.
Noko4
August 2, 2007 at 11:30 am
Noko 4,
No, the Special Court for Sierra Leone is expressly not a part of Sierra Leone’s domestic judiciary system. It is an international war crimes tribunal created by agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and the United Nations. It works in accordance with its statute and follows jurisprudence created at other international tribunals.
If any nation could simply set aside international law at will, then there really wouldn’t be much left of international law, would there? There are actually quite a few examples of international law overruling domestic arrangements. For example, the European Court of Human Rights can overrule national legal findings. The International Court of Justice (also known as the World Court) regularly makes decisions that are binding on national governments, including a recent ruling on a Nigerian-Cameroonian border dispute. As for international criminal law, some states have constitutional provisions that bar the extradition of their citizens, and yet have no choice but to cooperate with international tribunals established by the United Nations. This is true of many states in the former Yugoslavia, and those states have no choice but to send citizens indicted by the Yugoslav war crimes tribunal for trial in The Hague.
In any case, the Lome Accord did not end the war in Sierra Leone. The RUF violated the agreement and resumed attacks. So even if international law did not trump the domestic agreement (which it does), why would only the amnesty provision of a broken agreement still apply?
Eric
August 2, 2007 at 6:49 pm
Eric,
I am doing me BEST to understand, but if AN AGREEMENT was signed by a GOV’T and anyone…does that mean the AGREEMENT ends just because?? Again, this Special Court is part Sierra Leone and part Int’l which tells me whatever ACCORD signed by Sierra Leone should be HONOR plus this very int’l community was a WITNESS plus SIGNATORS to the ACCORD. What good was the ACCORD then??
I am NOT talking about RUF but Mr. Taylor and his relationship in the theater. Let’s again look at the PARDON CLAUSE of the Lome Accord…..mainly section 2
ARTICLE IX
PARDON AND AMNESTY
1. In order to bring lasting peace to Sierra Leone, the Government of Sierra Leone shall take appropriate legal steps to grant Corporal Foday Sankoh absolute and free pardon.
2. After the signing of the present Agreement, the Government of Sierra Leone shall also grant absolute and free pardon and reprieve to all combatants and collaborators in respect of anything done by them in pursuit of their objectives, up to the time of the signing of the present Agreement.
3. To consolidate the peace and promote the cause of national reconciliation, the Government of Sierra Leone shall ensure that no official or judicial action is taken against any member of the RUF/SL, ex-AFRC, ex-SLA or CDF in respect of anything done by them in pursuit of their objectives as members of those organisations, since March 1991, up to the time of the signing of the present Agreement. In addition, legislative and other measures necessary to guarantee immunity to former combatants, exiles and other persons, currently outside the country for reasons related to the armed conflict shall be adopted ensuring the full exercise of their civil and political rights, with a view to their reintegration within a framework of full legality.
We both know Mr. Taylor NEVER EVER stepped a toe in Sierra Leone so then, WHY is he been charged for CRIMES covered under the ACCORD?? As a matter of fact, when Sankoh and RUF kidmapped those UN personels, Mr. Taylor was ASKED to HELP for which he did and this was after the signing of the ACCORD.
Is the court saying because RUF violated the AGREEMENT means Mr. Taylor did also???
As for the Int’l Court settling a BORDER ISSUE…I say FINE FINE….but if both parties didn’t AGREED, will it be ACCEPTED??? NO!!!
All the Security Council Nations pick and choose which INT’L LAWS they want to OBEY. Will the US ever send her citizen to an int’l tribunal??? NO!!! WHY not??? Her CONSTITUTION!!! Is the US violating the Geneva Human Rights Accord???
In my view, the reason why some citizens of the world face this int’l tribunal is because their gov’t FEAR loosing AIDS from western nations.
Noko4
August 15, 2007 at 9:33 pm
Why is the USA not compelled by International Law if Int´l law overrides domestic law.
September 30, 2007 at 9:59 pm
I laughed when I read the note written by Rachel Hughes Taylor to this forum. I am not surprise to hear something like this from someone who may claim to be a family member of Charles Taylor. It could probably be that destroying other people’s lives is a habit that they may wish to conduct. But to the greater part of reality, this person could also be making more trouble for Mr. Taylor, since they already know that he is in one that has already reached his neck. Or, is she confirming that they realy took part in the Sierra Leone war? If she was joking, I suggest that she withdraw her statement before Charles goes to court finally in 2008, or this statement could be used in court against Mr. Taylor as an evidence from one of his family members.
Below, is a quatation of what Ms. Taylor wrote on June 25, 2007 at 9:21 P.M.
“i’m happy to hear that taylor is on trial for what he’s committed.but,this is not the end.do you know that guinea,ivory coast are involved in the sierraleone and liberan crisis.why not indict lansana conte or laurent gbagbo?let me tell you something,taylor have family,we are learning.if and only if this trial is fair i rest my peace.but if not,sierra leone must prepare for another war.this time not charles taylor but freetown against monrovia.liberian must avenge their president.despite all the wicked stuff he did.peace!”
This person could either be faking or confused about the reality of events in real world as compared to what they used to be when Mr. Taylor was in command. Just as they (Taylors) are watching, so are Liberians listening, watching and kinly observing for anyone who may want to rerturn the country into a state of destruction as Rachel is promising.
We will not sit by to see anyone misbehave this time arround in the name of changing policies that will affect this country. They will be stopped at the borders.
sfk
October 9, 2007 at 7:29 pm
Charles McArthur Taylor, a Skip Goat. I see the trial of former president Taylor as a cover up by the American for all the wrongs they have done to Liberia and a punishment for not following their original plan before his release from prison. Taking back a review of all the troubles we have had in Liberia, the Americans have been the architects and remote implementers.
Starting with the April 14, 1979 riot. They encouraged Poor Baccus Mathew and supported he and his colleagues to come from the USA to Liberia to start demanding for multiparty system in Liberia because the Tolbert’s led government had partly deflected to the east which was considered as a rival to the American during the Cold war after several attempt to have Tolbert change his “Non Align Policy.
Next the 1980 Coup. A CIA carried out mission that killed the coup leader (a Liberian Army Major)and one of the three CIA agents that carried that mission. Mrs. Tolbert who was hiding in the bathroom admitted seeing the white men after her husband was killed in their bed room.
1990 civil war. Charles Taylor, a fugetive from the Liberian Government who embezzled government funds was arrested and refused to be extradited to Liberia for trial on ground the the Liberia justice system was incompetence to handle a free and fair trial. But later released him and claimed that he broke jail. After a period of silence, he was arrested again in Ghana, but due to an arrangement with Jerry Rawling and the Americans, Ghana refused to turn him over to Liberia for trial. After the Ghanaian release, the Americans assigned Emer Gleh Johnson, an marine officer who was previously sent along with Woodrow to assasinate President S. K. Doe who also failed to follow their instructions and plans. Officer Johnson was killed in LAC, Grand Bassa County by government forces.
The American refused to intervene in stopping the war in Liberia after releasing and arming a fugetive to oust the Doe’s led goverment, by instructed him to stay way from Firestone Plantation their “pepper bush” as we say in Liberia.
Pray tell me, if you take custody of a prisoner, you bear all responsibilities of the prisoner. Why could they take him from the Ghanains and put him back to jail?
Why did the Ghanaians released Taylor?
Why did the Ivorians supported Taylor?
Thanks be to God that thousands of Ghanaians and Ivorians died at the hand of Charles Taylor.
Leave Charles MacArthur Taylor alone. Or go arrest Blaise Campoare and others including George Bush Sr. for supporting the killing of hundreds of thousands of Liberians.
Leave our Former president. We want him to see the distructions he did in Liberia and realized his mistakes.
November 22, 2007 at 5:38 am
I think some of you people should really be on another planet. What is wrong with us africans? Don’t you see what these imperialist are trying to do to us? This trial is much bigger than Charles taylor. It is about the former colonial powers and America trying to enslave us once more. Who benefits most from diamonds and arms? not charles taylor of the people of Sierra Leone or Liberia. It is the Western Countries. They have benefitted for decades. Do you people think that even if Taylor received diamonds between 1991 and 2000, that is what empoverished the region? What happened to the diamonds and other resources that was scoundered by the socalled investors in previous years and even in the last five years? Who is benefitting from it?
Listen people. Taylor is accused of bearing the greatest responsibility for the atrocities in Sierra Leone; doesn’t that raise questions in your minds? or are you so bitter with hatred that again you are doing the typical ignorant african thing and not thinking clearing. How can Taylor be more responsible than Foday Sankoh and the other Sierra Leonean Commanders who perpetrated the acts themselves? If Taylor wanted to chop off hand he controlled Liberia long enough to have chopped off the hands of most of the population of Liberia.
Why are you being lead to hate your leaders once more by the west? They are only trying to dominate and disgrace us as africans. It is a repeat of the slavery ritual of lynching the most vocal and rebelious slave so as to set an example to the rest of the slave not to disobey the slave masters. Taylor did not submit to the will of the Western slave masters and is being lynched for it as an example to all others to fall in line. We better wake up before it is too late or we will remain slaves to these people.
If taylor is so bad how come he was and is still love by the Liberian people except for those who wanted power for themselves. I challenge the socall champions of international justice to let the caes be based on the merit of the law and true justice and remove the political cohersion that is being used at present. If he is guilty let him face the full force of the law but do not subvert justice by using intimidation of the defence witnesses and attempted kidnapping etc. You indicted the man so you should have had your evidence. Why are you still scampering around for evidence up til now. Either provide fair evidence or leave the man because most of you are guilty of worse atrocities in other countruies.
Is international criminal courts only for third world country leaders? why aren’t citizens from first world countries ever taken to these kangaroo courts? Some of us africans are wise to your tricks. We know that the rules of the game of suppression and control have take on a new heading “Crimes Against Humanity”. International law no longer exists for the small country only those who are allies or of strategic importance to the Powers that be.
I know you all will not publish this as this speaks the truth and hurts your sensibilities. Put me to shame by publishing my letter as freedom of speech is one of your so called facets of international justice.
Thanks for the space.
Kumbah Kamara
December 3, 2007 at 1:16 am
I am grateful that there aresome people who are thinking straight. I fully concur with Kumba Kamara. She is a true pan africanist.
I wanted to pose a question to those who are responsible for this charade of a trial. What is going on with those on the UN travel ban who are to be Taylor’s possible witnesses? I just read that Grace Minor has been removed from the list, isn’t that strange? Or is she being bribed to give evidence against Taylor? Is there any real justice in the world anymore or will those who should be the champions of justice be the same ones who would usurp the process and use underhand means to convict someone who is not their favorite?
If Grace Minor can be removed from the list I believe the entire list needs to be revisted. Infact the whole concept of a list is ludicrous and a total misuse of the power of the UN. Why is there a list? Don’t these individuals deserve an opportunity to know why they are on a list first and then be given some recourse? You are supposed to represent international Justice. Please prove it to us. This list is no different from Shindler’s list or is it? Please abolish this now!!
Thank You
December 5, 2007 at 4:34 am
I would like to know what do you guys think about the role Romeo Horton played in all this matter…
December 8, 2007 at 5:03 pm
WOW! I came across this site and find it very interesting that I am not the only one who cares for the most verunable people in society. I have spent time in Africa…. Please bring me up to speed on who benifited as a result of the war…
Diamond dealers, arm dealers, C.I.A. etc how
jmcc4424@hotmail.com
December 22, 2007 at 1:38 am
Marie,
To start, how was this list CREATED??? What is/are the RULE(s) for getting on it and getting off it????.
Out of the blue moon, Ms. Grace Minor is off….I asked HOW???
Noko4
December 22, 2007 at 1:43 am
Kumbah,
I’ve said it and will say it again….if FAIRNESS is playout like in FAIRNESS, Mr. Taylor WALKS!!!.
If this court factors in the ACCORD that ended the war of Sierra Leone…99.9% of the CHARGES will be thrown out the window.
Noko4
December 27, 2007 at 4:01 pm
I think justice and peace go hand in hand. Mr. Taylor should be held accountable for his actions and for his lack of acting when he was aware of certain things and had the power to stop. What amount of money does one equate a life to ? A limb ? One someone loses a arm or leg that person’s life is changed permanently For Life. They can’t work or go to school the same. We get so caught up talking about Mr.Taylor , justice is about retribution for the Victims , not a over concern for the criminal. Mr. Taylor has to get a grasp of the Gravity of what he did or facilitated . He change peoples life Forever in a negative way . That warrants some punitive action. My prayers go out to the victims I hope this trial brings them some closure and healing. Bryan Boley
December 28, 2007 at 12:18 am
I think that justice and peace go haand in hand. We launch into a gigantic tangent talking about the fate of Mr.Taylor , but alot of us seem to have little to say about the Victims of these horrible crimes. When someone gets there arm or legged amputated , that changes that person’s life forever , they can’t work or go to school the same way , type on a computer , open a jar of peanut butter , or gently touch their girlfriends face. So I think justice , well the American brand of justice is one that rightfully focuses on giving retribution to the Victims. Mr.Taylor needs to grasp the Gravity of what he did or facilitated to happen.He changed people life Permanently in a negative way. Those people can Never go back to being normal again. I think that warrants some punitive action. How much money can you equate someones life to ? Or a Limb? And all my hood niggas out there in the world know that all his so called or friends or cronies well, not all becuz loyalty still exsist but a good few of them r going to testify against him. Gus Kouvenhoven facing war crimes and get’s off with 8 years, HHmmmmmmm, sounds like he made a deal to testify. We all seen the movie Goodfellas. Court is not about what happened or what you did it’s about what they can prove . They have 62 witnesses. We all know he did it. He’s done. But like I said it’s not about him it’s about the victims getting closure and starting the emmotional healin process. It’s doesn’t mean because you poor your life don’t have value. Like I said Mr.Taylor will come to a revalation of the gravity of what he did. I think this situation has the potential to change his life. To say the least. My thoughts and my prayers go out to all the victims and the victims family, your life does have value and your plight is felt. May God bless and keep yall. p.s. If Ms. Grace Minor is off the U.N. list that’s becuz she is going to testify on Taylor , put 2 and 2 together. Love all my people we all black. Bryan Boley 15th street Sinkor , Liberia
January 6, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Bryan,
I put the 2 plus 2 and MULTIPLIED them as to Ms. Minor. But that still DOES NOT answer my question…HOW WAS THIS LIST FORMATED??? How did she get off?? The WHY is MAYBE will be testifying again Mr. Taylor but were there any HEARINGS as to WHY she was put off the LIST??? No!!! Is this HOW the world body(UN) performs???? Pick and choose???
As to Mr. Taylor paying for his deeds, I stand along side with you but that does not mean we throw our BRAINS because it’s Mr. Taylor.
Noko4
January 12, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Charles Taylor will definatly face civilize justice,unlike his own kind of jungle justice.He thought he will go free by killing Sam bockarie,so evedence distroyed.NO way, those who thought are sympathising with Taylor should be ashemed of themselves.Don`t they have eye to see limbless men,women and even children plying the street of Sierra Leone? I bet for some of you you pertake in the war that why you are symparthising with the reckless killer of west africa but you are lucky to escape justice but you will pay the price someday one way or the other.A good number of you escape to the USA through resettlement we know.But warlord is trapped now what can you do? Go grab another AK47 and kill all the people in court.
January 13, 2008 at 9:07 am
With all this episode in Sierra Leone the international community has been motionless to see inocent poor,defenseless people suffering for more than a decade that a shame.Yes every government should be able to defend her people and land but,not the case in Sierra Leone.I beleive in the future there will be clouse in the UN constitution where the defenseless civillian will be protected by a powerful un force and evacuated to safe zone.The world leaders shuold consider this.
January 14, 2008 at 3:56 am
Osman,
We are NOT. In the court room Osman, EMOTIONS are not what the EVIDENCE is based but FACTUAL FACTS. I don’t think or believe anyone in here really cares what becomes of Mr. Taylor so long the JUSTICE is fair.
The LEADERS of Sierra Leone and Guinea are to be broght to bear also won’t you agree??? They supplied ARMS to the various rebel groups that went on killing our friends and relatives.
FAIRNESS is all we are asking.
Noko4
January 14, 2008 at 4:05 am
Marie,
I believe Ms. Minor and few others will be testifying against Mr. Taylor just for them to travel. Again, how was this list compiled and how does one gets off without any HEARINGS???
Plus, why are some still on it without any CHARGES??? Liberia has NOT brought any CHARGES on them. Infact, the UN tried to SMOKE Liberia into passing a LAW violating her Constitution just to prosecute a handful of her citizens, and the Ellen’s gov’t went along knowing very well what the Constitution states….A DISGRACE!!! I mean this is the UN that preaches RIGHTS but I guess RIGHTS is only for those she says have RIGHTS.
Noko4
January 14, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Dear Noko4,
I should say that i am a new entrant, but I’m amazed by how vehement you sound in your defense of your ex- president, Charles Taylor. I’m touched by the fact that you even import parts of legal documents, and even quote directly from them in defense of your guy. The only sad thing seems to be that you probably don’t understand the interpretation of the clauses you quote, or your connection between these documents and your arguments is kind of twisted. I even hear you declaring that Taylor walks free, if certain conditions that you have preset by your bogus arguments aren’t met, how funny! What are you by the way? Are you the judge or the jury. I’ll love to know your identity. I will definitely follow up with you and other people with similar contributions and hopefully we’ll all help in straightening out the rough edges of such skewed thoughts and let’s all pray that the court serves Charles Taylor the true justice that he deserves. Let’s all do it in the interest of posterity and bring to justice all these warlords, under whose noses our beloved continent has, and is still being raped, just to satisfy their greed.
January 14, 2008 at 8:42 pm
Informed and thoughtful Salone people know that the seeds of our Holocaust were sown in two districts; viz,Tonkolili and Kailahun (heartlands of the RUF). As some of us are aware, it was the unleashing of APC thugs and the state paramilitary ISU, beginning in the 1970s, on the indigenees of these two districts, culmimating in the the arrest, detention brutalisation, and in some cases execution of promimnent voices in these ares, which sparked an insurrection that degenerated into murder, rape and mutilation of the old and young,in the late 1990s. At the time, I expressed grave reservations about the role of Salone in Ecomog, when the Liberian troubles began, and I was proven right. At the end of the day, Ghankay Talor was incidental to our ‘war’. It never had to happen. Therefore, for any informed Saloneman to approve or participate in the international community lynch court fronted by Negroes is to dishonour Bai Bureh and Nyagua. Lonta.
January 15, 2008 at 1:12 am
Daniel K,
Why are you MAD??? You have your opinion about the case so do I. To the contray, I DO NOT DEFEND Mr. Taylor except calling it how I see it. I’ll careless what becomes of him as long he is given DUE JUSTICE. Again, I say he will WALKS based on what I am seeing from the court so far. Have you been watching the trial??? So far, what is your HONEST take??? I say ALL the witnesses poorly served the prosecutors. To be HONEST honest, this case can ONLY be won on EMOTIONS.
Now let’s look at your NOISE. To start, the ACCORD, sec. 2, tell me what is your UNDERSTANDING, please pay CLOSE ATTENTION to the words “SHALL” and “ABSOLUTE”.
THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE and
THE REVOLUTIONARY UNITED FRONT OF SIERRA LEONE (RUF/SL)
Having met in Lome, Togo, from the 25 May 1999, to 7 July 1999 under the auspices of the Current Chairman of ECOWAS, President Gnassingbe Eyadema;
Recalling earlier initiatives undertaken by the countries of the sub-region and the International Community, aimed at bringing about a negotiated settlement of the conflict in Sierra Leone, and culminating in the Abidjan Peace Agreement of 30 November, 1996 and the ECOWAS Peace Plan of 23 October, 1997;
ARTICLE IX
PARDON AND AMNESTY
2. After the signing of the present Agreement, the Government of Sierra Leone shall also grant absolute and free pardon and reprieve to all combatants and collaborators in respect of anything done by them in pursuit of their objectives, up to the time of the signing of the present Agreement.
Now please TELL ME what I don’t understand about the PARDON clause of the ACCORD??? I understood it to mean ALL ARE FREE regardless of what HARM they caused or created or I am wrong in my understanding???
What am I or WHO am I??? I am a Liberian who is watching the case and comparing NOTES with some friends. Whatelse will you like to know Daniel???
Daniel, we all want JUSTICE but PICKING and CHOOSING is not TRUE JUSTICE. Look at the Freetown side. The current president was part of the DESTRUCTIONS of his country right??? Why isn’t he on trial??? His Deputy Commander is serving time in jail for the SAME destructions of Sierra Leone. Now tell me, if you are my DEPUTY and got INSTRUCTIONS from me to carry out certain acts, won’t it be FAIR to have me on trial since I was your boss????
Move over to Liberia, we are getting to know from witness Sheriff that Sierra Leone and Guinea were partners in raging the SECOND WAR into Liberia, where is Liberia share of the SPECIAL COURT??? And you want to preach JUSTICE to me Daniel???
I hope you now see where I cometh and stand. Mr. Taylor is just a piece in the puzzle. Oh by the way, “HEARSAY” is allow in this court…do you find that strange given that “HEARSAY” was not permitted in the courts of Sierra Leone until now???
Noko4
January 15, 2008 at 2:47 am
Noko4,
You areon the ball. At least you are objective and deal with the facts and the real crux of the matter. We really need to ask ourselves “Where is true justice?” when the rules of proceedure of the court can be changed in such a way as to suit one situation and not another.
Since when has “hearsay” been considered as evidence in a court of law unless there is a serious intent to usurp the course of justice.
It is about time concientized Africans speak out against this one sided system of the socalled international community that make and break rules as it suits them. Why do we continue to allow our fates to be determined by them and blindly let them manipulate us into thinking they are doing us a favour at that.
Some of us like you are wiser than they think. There is a need for a new breed of African who will not only listen to their socalled official account of events, because we all know how reliable that can be.
this court ought to be ashamed of itself for even continuing with this charade. The Judge should not allow herself to be used by these people. She has a name to preserve. She is an African Lady.I hope she will see fit to do justice and not be manipulated by those who pay her wages.
January 15, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Its it not Taylor that’s on trial here. It is the concept of an international court system rejected by the US. It will be difficult if not impossible for the prosecution to convict Taylor and they know it. Have you ever asked why David Crane left the job. Anyways thanks for the website and let all who know liberia understand that our war was something percipitated by a lot more than just one man true Liberians know the story.
January 15, 2008 at 9:33 pm
Tamba,
Mr. Taylor is on trial for Sierra Leone….NOTHING, hear me out, ZERO about Liberia except trucks loads of ARM to RUF from Liberia and DIAMOND to Liberia.
Noko4
January 16, 2008 at 4:18 pm
It is an open secret that Taylor is guilty.There was a pact between Taylor and Sankoh. They agreed
that if Taylor took power in Liberia he will allowed Sankoh to use liberia as a base to launch an attacked in Sierra Leone.Things became worse for Sierra Leone when late president Momoh allowed ECOMOG to use Sierra Leone as a base for peace keeping. Taylor saw this as an effort to thwart his attempt to become president of Liberia especially at the time when his forces has coated most of Liberia.Taylor came on air to say that Sierra Leone will taste the bitterness of war.When the whole world was calling for a ceasefire Mosquito refused. A couple of days later he came on air to
say that his boss Charles Taylor had asked him to agree on a ceasefire.Mosquito and his fighters used Liberia as a canopy.Looted properties and money taken from Sierra Leone By Mosquito and co. was spent in Liberian soil.Taylor as president at the time was aware of these activities.The way forward is Issa Sesay and his commanders should be brought forward with the promise that their sentences will be shorten or amnesty given if they agree to serve as prosecution witnesses.
January 16, 2008 at 4:45 pm
This entire trial is unjust and unfair.
Why is Charles Taylor on trial for the war in Sierra Leone, and not Liberia?? Why aren’t those Sierra Leoneans, who comitted these atrocities, being held responsible?? They are being paid money to sit there and testify as if they themselves are innocent of murder,rape, and every other war crime you can think of?? This is the most disgusting and stupid thing I’ve ever seen, or heard of. What makes it worse is that those who head this so-called court are supposed to be highly educated. Let’s get real people.
I personally could care less if Mr. Taylor lives or dies. If I could, I’ll probably put him out of his misery myself, but I just cannot understand the objectives of this court/trial. We all want justice, and for Mr. Taylor to pay for his crimes, but come on….
This trial is insulting to the Liberian people, and it is a waste of time and money. Where is our justice? Or do sierra Leonean lives have more value that Liberians?
January 16, 2008 at 6:50 pm
Well I’ve been reading the transcripts of the court and I want to say anybody that thinks Mr.Taylor is walking free needs to take another look. Because first of all he did it and the judge is over ruling all the objections the defense is making. Secondly I want to say it is one thing to rule your country with an iron hand like Sam Doe or Robert Mugabe , a terrible thing . But for a head of State to overtly impose that rule on others countries make that ruler a international humanitarian and economic problem (bearing in mind the 1st world countries have deals crossing with 3rd countries that are curtailed by war, which is bad for buissness). Now before I move on to my second point I want to say my thoughts and prayers go out to the victims. Alright now I want to address the people who make the Very Very SAD argument that “Mr. Taylor isn’t charged with anything in Liberia “. O.K. let’s take a look at this .This (SCSL)Court is founded in the model Of Nurembourg , which was the international Court that was set up after WW11 to try Hitler and his Nazi cronies. Would these same Charles Taylor Supporter then say the Nurembourg trials where unlawful because Hitler and the Nazis weren’t being charged with anything within Germany even though there is abudant evidence of there involvement in crimes inside and outside of Germany ???? No that would be ludacris to say. so then let the trial proceed and justice be administered. Let the victims get their closure and healing. E-mail :barclaytc@yahoo.com . Bryan Boley 15th Sinkor, Monrovia , Liberia
January 16, 2008 at 6:58 pm
Does the defense have one credible witness that can take the stand and say anything good about Mr.Taylor? No , maybe only family members and girlsfriend that can “oh he gave me money” No credible civil servant or upstandind person can come before that (SCSL) court and say Anything positive for Mr. Taylor that is relavent to what he is being charged with and can mitigate anything for him. Leet us as a people focus on the Victims and try to gain a respect and value for human life regardless of socio-economic class. Bryan Boley 15th Strret Sinkor, Monrovia , Liberia
January 17, 2008 at 11:30 am
Noko 4,
I am not annoyed, I am just sentimental about this subject like most other well meaning Sierra Leoneans are. I do agree with you that if we are to go by the available evidence, considering the logic of western jurisprudence, indeed Taylor just might walk free. The reason is that I do not believe there is really any tangible evidence that any of the said witnesses could bring up against Taylor that will hold. The only tangible evidences we might have to deal with are the parodies of human beings that were created and left with hacked limbs back home and people who are refugees even within their own country. That and the effigies of formerly prominent infrastructures that were left for the rest of the world to look at and laugh at our civilization, are the only tangible evidences of atrocities caused by the likes of Taylor. The rest of what or who ever you may use as evidence to prosecute someone like Taylor has either been killed, burnt, or destroyed somehow. That is where emotions are coming into play. As you may well know, Taylor’s war was not a conventional war, so most of the orders he gave were never documented, and the people he gave the orders ared either dead, or are in hiding for their own actions. So most of what can be brought to trial against Taylor is hearsay, with can easily be countered by Taylor’s defense. You see where the whole procedure is left to emotions? Can you imagine Taylor walking the streets of Liberia or Sierra Leone again? Just imagine how many hearts would quaver. Some days, I just wish God would serve Taylor justice, because the way things are looking, the human justice system will never be able to bring him to justice, until all his slain cohorts have been resurrected. I just hope our country will heal from whatever comes out of this.
January 17, 2008 at 12:14 pm
The bunch of black racists brought back in power by stupid white politicians from USA and Europe…When will they give white people the right to cintizenship and property owning? At least the former rulling indigenous people were not racists…They were gratefull for the white people helping them through missionary and educational work in the past…But these former American slaves , now in power again, came to Africa to enslave other people…The person, you will not let die, will not let you live, in the end…
One that should be invited there (Hague and T..R..C…) is Madam Johnson Serlief…For long time she was working hard to change the political rule of the indigenous people through all kind of means…including the Civil War…The Civil War is a political precise method of getting rid of the Elites…The former slaves did not want to share power with the indigenous people…The former slaves know nothing of the human activities, but to rule…They were doing only that since they arrived to Liberia…They are the first responsable of the making of the Civil war…Now they judge? Who is judging Who? It is well known that they had allies…That the Tolbert wife saw a white hand , under the glove, that came in the fatal day in their bedroom…This is a final design on the cake of the Civil War…The Liberian Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), the Circus of Congoes Americo Liberians that want to cover up like the cat does with its….@@@
Taylor was a ” mean ” type of activity…To an end… He did what he had to do, the dirty job : to get rid of the Elites. to bring the indigenous people under “control” somehow…to lower the population of the indigenous people, that during a long time of peace they became strong(economically and politically self ccnscious ) as an electorate favored by the extended family tradition they have, …Now the former slaves real politicians have to get rid of Taylor…Taylor is a pain in the ass for them…As he can talk and prove about their less imaculate contribution to great political work. of the Civil War ….But no big guy comes alive from the Court at Hague, unfortunately….The revolution is eating its own children they say in France…The indigenous people made their fatal mistake by not being united and not spreading propaganda enough about their cause…If they could get enough allies (even if given the white people the citizenship) they could succed somehow…Even though , the extended family tradition has it bad side that : it does not allow their members to become rich …in order to be politically sound in time of trouble…The Civil War was planned the corect way ..and many years in advance for the the indigenous people to loose…Now the only consolation is left is God…God`s will…It was God s will…
January 17, 2008 at 2:38 pm
In response to Kumbah Kamara’s e-mail,Kumbah stated that Taylor was like an outspoken slave that was chopped so that the others will shut up.He was been tried because he stood against the west.What Kumbah failed to understand is that all CharlesTaylor’s wealth,money diamond and gold is been kept in western banks.What we should ask for is for all those western personals and companies to be brought to justice.
January 17, 2008 at 6:18 pm
“Everything in creation must obey a law. true in word as it is in deed…”
Let’s assume that Taylor is 1,000% guilty of the war in SL. That he personally trained and gave handwritten instructions to RUF. And for that he’s being prosecuted. ok. Soooo i guess the Hague is the new precedence 4 african leaders, right? Annndd I guess we’re going to extend that to the underwriters of the Liberian conflict, right? I’m talking bout the ones with the original blueprint for the civil war. Oops, i forgot, when Taylor was SENT to start the war, they told him, no, they GAVE him rubber bullets and cardboard bayonets. um… just like they do the soldiers in iraq… And um… um… i guess after this, they’re gonna go after the folks that started all the other wars, and/or backed ALL the atrocities that were committed during crisis in the 80s n 90s… um… Yeah, n er how about the that stayed at home, but paid for bullets to destroy innocent civilians? like for example, the finaciers of the ULIMO…LPC…LURD…MODEL wars. My cousins were maimed n killed, but Taylor or relatives r still “fine”…. But then again, what does a little pebble like me know? after all, THE WORLD IS ONLY BLACK AND WHITE.
Fellas, EVERYTHING in creation MUST OBEY a law. What goes around will sure come back. If it’s good for the goose, it will be good for the gander.
Hey, CAN’T KICK AGAINST THE PRICKS!
January 17, 2008 at 9:33 pm
I thought this website was one to create a forum for discussing this event in the context of the ever growing cry for International Social Justice and a new international order. Both the Prosecution and defence are carrying out their tasks in the most professional way and I am enjoying every bit of it. But I see alot of chest pounding, ‘I am honorable and he is not” on this site from the sidelines let’s not reduce this to an ‘atai’ debate where there is ‘heat but no light’. let’s follow the trial and Judge the evidence.
January 18, 2008 at 12:38 am
Tamba,
Totally agree….but we have to call it as we see it and so far….I scored ZERO for the prosecutors.
Noko4
January 18, 2008 at 12:55 am
Daniel K,
We are in a WESTERN COURT….so what sytle of RULES do we apply???
Daniel, I too feel the PAINS and HURTS looking at those pictures of our fellow human beings in such condition but in a court room regardless the CULTURE or STYLE, EVIDENCES are the FRUITS. And it’s so sad to see this court accepting “HEARSAY” as evidence. If the evidences were burnt, dead and destroyed, who fault is it??? Mr. Taylor???
Look, we all know this court was CREATED to get one MAN and one MAN only….Mr. Taylor. To do that, the British and the Americans forced upon Sierra Leone this court. When it seems like they won’t get a conviction based on EVIDENCES, they amended the RULES to include HEARSAY.
If I had an input, I would have called a Mano River COURT….the three nations that make up that Union and bring ALL, I mean ALL to justice.
As for WALKING FREE in the streets of Liberia, do you know today in Liberia that some of the current LEGISTLATORS were WAR LORDS?? WHAT A DISGRACE. Why wasn’t your president brought to trial?? And how do you feel about it knowing he gave ORDERS just like Mr. Taylor??? As we now know, the chopping of limbs were done by ALL and not just RUF.
Noko4
January 18, 2008 at 1:00 am
Bryan,
Has the defense call anyone to the stand for you to judge??? NO!!. This tells me your mind is MADE UP.
Yes are concern about the VICTIMS and that includes Mr. Taylor also.
Noko4
January 18, 2008 at 1:04 am
Mafoiso,
That is what we want to know…..WHERE IS LIBERIA’S SPECIAL COURT??? Yesterday, Gen. Butt Naked told us in Liberia that he ALONE killed over 20,000 of his fellow Liberians because his WITCHCRAFT DEVIL wanted BLOOD and more BLOOD to protect them.
And he is FREELY walking the streets of Liberia.
Let us pray: Oh GOD, please show us the way, in Jesus name…AMEN.
Noko4
January 18, 2008 at 2:30 am
If the General killed 20,000, then how much did the Commanding General kill?
January 18, 2008 at 9:21 am
Noko 4,
Let’s get real, there are no evidences to convict Taylor, as well as there are no evidences to prove his innocence, except that there will always be pain in all our hearts as a result of those war thugs that ravaged our countries. As a result, hearsay, which is normally not accepted in a court of law, is now accepted in this court. DO NOT BE OBLIVIOUS OF THE FACT THAT THE WHOLE BREAKDOWN OF CIVILIZATION AND ITS RESULTS THAT WAS GOING ON IN OUR PART OF WEST AFRICA WAS NOT A NORMAL WAR, SO DON’T EXPECT IT TO BE DEALT WITH IN A NORMAL WAY. I personally saw 3 rebels desecrate the remains of another human being by hacking off all 4 limbs with an axe in broad daylight, with glee, in the middle of Siaka Stevens Street, after shooting him with a single bullet to his head. As if that was not enough, his sternum was split open, his heart was cut out, his genitals were cut off and stuck into his mouth after his head had been chopped off and placed on the street, right in front of Choitram’s supermarket. Then the RUF was in power for the 9 months that they ravaged our country. You tell me that was normal. You tell me who gave these thugs the orders to mete out that kind of justice.By the way, nobody showed up to stop them and the street was cleaned 3 hours later. His crime? he stole a set of pots!!!! Sanity at its peak, eh? Now you tell me they were punished for such actions, no way, there was no law!!! I’m sure thousands of other Sierra Leoneans and Liberians can narrate similar incidents that took place under the “RULERSHIP” of people like Charles Taylor.
Mano River Court? who will be the judge and where would Charles Taylor be kept until proven guilty of war crimes or otherwise?
For your information, my president at this moment is a civilian. And if you mean Tejan Kabba, do you remember he would have been hacked into pieces the same way if not for the foreign troops that got him out?
And for this talk of Americans and British forcing stuff on us, it makes me sick all the time. You know, just give me a break!!! If someone asks you to kill your brother and gives you weapons to do so, would you do it? Where are our hearts and brains? Are we zombies or what? think up ma, think!!!
January 18, 2008 at 11:52 am
Daniel,
It makes me SICK also to know that we are/were so WICKY to do ALL that happened in the war, but we are talking about a COURT CASE where EMOTIONS and HEARSAYS should stand ZERO chance of approval will you agree??? Regardless of what the situation was or is, I DO NOT think we should BEND the PRINCIPLES of the court JUST BECAUSE, will you agree???
Kabba did commit CRIMES and that was the reason why if NOT recused, he could have been hacked, which again beg me to ask, WHY ISN’T HE ON TRIAL??? He gave ORDERS so did Mr. Taylor. His Deputy Commander in presently in jail for OBEYING his orders…..is this JUSTICE???
We will both agree that EVERYONE did things on their own outside of INSTRUCTIONS, right??? We will both agree that guns came for ALL WHERES and from anyone who could provide them, right??? We also agree based on the trial that RUF was long in creation before Mr. Taylor even appeared, right??? So WHY is he the ONLY leader out of the region on trial is what I DO NOT understand. Will you agree that the same things happened in Libeia minus the chopping of limbs, right??? What is your UNDERSTANDING of the ACCORD that ended your war Daniel?? In Liberia, there was also an ACCORD that ended her war and guess what, the LANGUAGE in yours are pretty much EXACT like the one of Liberia’s, where is her court???
I suggested a Mano River Union court because of the various CONNECTIONS of CRIMES been committed by ALL sides. The judges could a COLLECTIVE BODY of personels as we see in this court. All will be held anywhere that is SAFE like in the case of Mr. Taylor.
Do you TRULY believe without the British and the American, we’ll be seeing this court??? Really??? And you should be SICK and go further and ask WHY?? I’ve THOUGHT and THOUGHT and still THINKING why we’re SO STUPID. To be blunt, this case is NOT about the CHOPPING of THOSE LIMBS, but something HIGHER than we are lead to believe.
Noko4
January 18, 2008 at 11:55 am
Arthur,
I don’t know, but Gen. Butt Naked told us what he did……READ
In Defense of the Krahn Tribe:
Woman Offered Me Her Child for Slaughter, Priest Admits Killing Not Less than 20,000
By Alfred Chea
Published: 16 January, 2008
“General Butt Naked” now Evangelist Joshua Milton Blayee
MONROVIA, Joshua Milton Blayee, a man who yesterday described himself as a ‘traditional priest’, said he was initiated to provide protection for people of the Krahn ethnic group during the Liberian armed conflict. In his testimony at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) hearings, Blayee broke down in tears when he said publicly that a woman once offered him her female child for slaughter in defense of his kinsmen.
Blayee, who is now a popular evangelist, testified that the child given by the woman, not named, was killed as a sacrifice and the heart of the victim divided with his fighting men for spiritual power.
His testimony, which was given at the Centennial Pavil