The Special Court for Sierra Leone
1. About the Special Court:
The Special Court was established for the prosecution of persons who bear the greatest responsibility for serious violations of international humanitarian law and Sierra Leonean law committed in the territory of Sierra Leone since November, 30 1996. The Special Court is an independent hybrid Court established under an Agreement between the United Nations and the Government of Sierra Leone pursuant to the UN Security Council Resolution 1315 of August, 14 2000.
The Special Court is governed by its Statute and by its Rules of Procedure and Evidence. The Statute empowers the Special Court to prosecute persons responsible for the commission of certain crimes against humanity; certain serious violations of Article 3 Common to the 1949 Geneva Conventions on the Protection of War Victims and of the 1977 Additional Protocol II thereto; certain other serious violations of international humanitarian law; and certain crimes under Sierra Leonean law.
2. Special Court Cases:
The Trial of the Prosecutor vs. Alex Tamba Brima, Brima Bazzy Kamara and Santigie Borbor Kanu (the AFRC Accused)
The first case decided by the Special Court was brought against three alleged leaders of the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (”AFRC”). Alex Tamba Brimba, Brima Bazzy Kamara and Santigie Borbor Kanu were charged with seven counts of crimes against humanity and six counts of violations of Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions on the laws of war. The three Accused were convicted of 11 of 14 counts on June 20, 2007.
The Prosecutor vs. Samuel Hinga Norman, Moinina Fofafana and Allieu Kondewa (the CDF Accused)
Three alleged leaders of the former Civil Defence Forces were indicted separately on 8 counts of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other serious violations of international humanitarian law. Sam Hinga Norman was indicted on March 7, 2003. Moinina Fofana and Allieu Kondewa were indicted on June 26, 2003. On August 2, 2007, Trial Chamber I found Fofana guilty on four counts of war crimes and Kondewa guilty on five counts, including war crimes and other serious violations international law. The Trial Chamber found the Accused not guilty of crimes against humanity.
The Prosecutor vs. Issa Hassan Sesay, Morris Kallon and Augustine Gbao (the RUF Accused)
Five alleged leaders of the former Revolutionary United Front were indicted separately on 17 counts (later amended to 18 counts) of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other serious violations of international humanitarian law. Foday Saybana Sankoh, Sam Bockarie, Issa Hassan Sesay and Morris Kallon were indicted on March 7, 2003. Augustine Gbao was indicted a month later, on April 16, 2003. The indictments against Sankoh and Bockarie were withdrawn on December 8, 2003 because of the deaths of the two accused.
May 5, 2008 at 2:41 pm
i feel the charles taylor trial should not be a kangaroo one as that of saddam . it is pertinent at this juncture to remained the international communnity that no efforts should be spared to bring to book the perpetrators of such ignomible act of human beastiality in all the corners of the world , including palestine and sudan. one would expect from this trial also that all rules of evidence relevant to the case as enshrined in international law and local statutes of the relevant country will be observed . it should not be business as usual. the saddam trial was travesty of all known rules of natural and international justice . at best it can be called rule of the jungle and we can say we are not in the era, as such subversion should stop for the rule of law to hold sway.
August 20, 2008 at 6:20 am
I know that Charles Taylor will not be given a free and fair trial.The whole trial process is just a calculated plan by the west, mainly USA and Britain.USA and Britain are the key supporters in regards to financing the activity of the Special Court for Sierra Leone, so in my opinion, I am of the strong conviction that the court is going to dance to the tone of these two powerful nations.A single Liberian judge is not part of the judges, but you have Sierra Leonean as part of the 12 judges.It is fair enough?Look at the past relationship with Taylor on one hand and David Crane and Jacque Clan the former UN special representative to Liberia.Have you ever heard about a big investment in Liberia called ‘Greater Diamond’in which came to a hult and equipment confiscated by the Tayloy’s regime?Look at the pre-judged book that was written by David Crane on Tayloy ,while serving as key SCSL official.Look at the nationality of these guys.Britain has already opened the queen’s room or volunteer to host Tayloy, after the conviction.Nigeria who is contributing a smaller amount to the court turned Tayloy over to the court without due respect to the AU for its blessings.In a nut shell the court will dance to the tone of the people who play the pipes.
September 26, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Mr. Geinda,
I understnad you are trying to be diplomatic , when it comes to the trial of Charles Taylor. Unfortunately for him, Karma is a reality, what you put forth in this earth will always come back to hunt you. Free and Fair trail, yes it will be, his judgement will be served to him as it should. The sad thing about it is it will affect his whole generation, because he has destroyed multiple lives. In life we have to be careful with “the bed you make because one day we will have to sleep in it.”
October 31, 2008 at 12:58 pm
Who’s really clean to judge Taylor?
For it is written, thou shall judge no men.
It’s God who’s to judge him, let him be.
Everyone sucks.