Prosecutors this week grilled Charles Taylor on allegations that his rebel forces committed widespread and systematic crimes in Liberia similar to those committed by rebel forces in Sierra Leone, that he trained and used children for combat in Liberia, that he stashed away huge amounts of Liberian government money into foreign bank accounts, and that he has lied and given inconsistent testimony while testifying as a witness in his own defense. Mr. Taylor denies all charges against him, but this week did admit to inconsistencies in his own testimony.
During the former Liberian president’s cross-examination, prosecutors have been seeking to prove that Mr. Taylor established control over Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebels in Sierra Leone. These rebels, prosecutors say, replicated the types of widespread and systematic crimes that Mr. Taylor’s own forces committed in Liberia during its civil war, including sexual offenses and recruitment of child soldiers. Prosecutors have also been seeking to impeach Mr. Taylor’s credibility as a witness, trying to highlight inconsistencies in the former president’s testimony and telling the judges that he has lied as a witness and therefore his accounts cannot be relied on. Cross-examination of Mr. Taylor is expected to finish in the coming week.
On Monday, lead prosecution counsel, Brenda Hollis, questioned Mr. Taylor about crimes committed by his National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) rebel forces during the conflict in Liberia as part of a broader effort to show consistent crime patterns with RUF rebels in Sierra Leone for whom Mr. Taylor is accused of providing support. In doing so, she sought to demonstrate that while the specific types of crimes committed in each country may have differed, the approach used by both sets of rebels were the same in that they involved widespread and systematic attacks against civilians. Mr. Taylor has consistently denied he was in control of the RUF rebels. The former president has also sought to show in his direct testimony that he held his own rebels in Liberia to account for any crimes committed – and that in any case, such crimes were not, he argues, widespread in nature.
“Crimes committed by all factions in Liberia including your NPFL were widespread and systematic in nature,” Ms. Hollis told Mr. Taylor on Monday.
“I’ll say it’s incorrect,” Mr. Taylor responded.
Ms. Hollis also pointed that “the NPFL did not put in place the minimum standards to mitigate against these widespread abuses” in the NPFL.
In his response, the former president said that “the NPFL had military tribunals to mitigate abuses.”
Mr. Taylor has previously maintained that crimes committed by rebel forces in Sierra Leone were a surprise to him because they did not occur in Liberia. Ms. Hollis disagreed with Mr. Taylor on this, pointing that Liberian rebel forces also subjected civilians to amputations, just like RUF rebels did in Sierra Leone.
“There were no amputations in Liberia. That is a blatant and diabolical lie,” Mr. Taylor said.
On Tuesday, Ms. Hollis told Mr. Taylor that he recruited and used children for military purposes in Liberia and it was therefore no surprise to him to learn that child soldiers were being used by RUF rebels and the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC), an illegal junta regime that overthrew the elected government of Sierra Leone in 1997. Mr. Taylor dismissed the claim as untrue.
“You yourself had armed children, some as young as eight years old,” Ms. Hollis accused Mr. Taylor on Tuesday.
“That is total nonsense. Every child that I held I put in an orphanage,” Mr. Taylor responded.
In response to prosecution allegation that he “used children as young as 10 to man check-points,” Mr. Taylor said that “I did not use any children as young as 10 to man check-points. There were soldiers and some of them had their relatives around them but I did not use any children to man check-points.”
As Ms. Hollis asserted that “use of child soldiers by the RUF and AFRC was no surprise to you,” Mr. Taylor responded that “I have no knowledge of what the AFRC and RUF did in Sierra Leone.”
In pointing out the activities of Mr. Taylor’s NPFL rebels in Liberia, Ms. Hollis has been trying to convince the judges that Mr. Taylor knew of similar activities by Sierra Leonean rebel forces but could do nothing to stop them because he was doing the same things in Liberia.
“No surprise to you of what they (RUF) did in Sierra Leone because it is the same that you did in Liberia,” Ms. Hollis persisted. “You were not truthful when you said that crimes committed in Sierra Leone were of surprise to you because they did not happen in Liberia,” she added.
“I had no knowledge of the inner workings of the RUF and AFRC.” Mr. Taylor responded, adding that crimes such as amputations were not committed in Liberia and cases of rape were severely dealt with.
Also on Tuesday, Ms. Hollis told Mr. Taylor that he failed to take actions against some of his NPFL commanders who massacred civilians in various towns and villages in Liberia. Mr. Taylor insisted that he did take actions for any crimes that were brought to his knowledge.
On Wednesday, prosecutors questioned Mr. Taylor about bank transfers which they say allowed him to secretly buy weapons while his country was under a United Nations arms embargo. Mr. Taylor said he could not remember specifically what the money was used for.
Prosecution counsel Nicholas Koumjian sought to demonstrate that Mr. Taylor’s Liberian government purchased arms and ammunition in violation of a United Nations arms embargo on Liberia. Mr. Koumjian went through portions of a United Nations Expert report which accused Mr. Taylor and his government of busting UN sanctions, as well as involvement in Sierra Leone’s conflict.
Mr. Koumjian, reading from the UN report told Mr. Taylor that in October 2000, the Bureau of Maritime Affairs transferred 150,000 USD into a bank in Dubai and the said money was used for “sanction busting.”
“Did you know about this?” Mr. Koumjian asked Mr. Taylor.
“Not specifically,” Mr. Taylor responded.
Mr. Koumjian also told Mr. Taylor that during his administration as president of Liberia, a letter originating from the Liberian Ministry of Finance instructed Mr. John Teng, the General Manager of Oriental Timber Company (OTC) in Liberia, to transfer 500,000 USD into a bank in Switzerland. The money, Mr. Koumjian said, was OTC’s tax payment to the Liberian government.
“Were you familiar with this instruction to transfer this tax amount not to the Central Bank of Liberia or the Ministry of Finance but to a Swiss Bank?” Mr. Koumjian asked Mr. Taylor.
In his response, Mr. Taylor said that he could not say what the money was transferred for but agreed that an amount like that could have had clearance from the presidency.
“I do not know. I cannot recollect specifically. All I can say is that an amount like that will need some presidential clearance,” he said.
According to the UN report, Mr. Taylor’s government provided money to Mr. Sanjivan Ruprah, the former Deputy Commissioner of the Bureau of Maritime Affairs in Liberia. As Mr. Koumjian pointed out on Wednesday, Mr. Ruprah was described by the UN Sanctions Committee on Liberia as “Businessman, Arms dealer in contravention of UNSC resolution 1343. Supported former president Taylor’s regime in effort to destabilize Sierra Leone and gain illicit access to diamonds.”
Mr. Taylor denied that in 1999-2000, he authorized the disbursement of 1 million USD to Mr. Ruprah for the purchase of arms and ammunition.
“I did not authorize money to him to buy arms. I would have authorized money to him but the details of it, I do not know. I do not recall the details of why these amounts were paid. All I can say is that I authorized them,” Mr. Taylor said.
While agreeing that he approved Mr. Ruprah’s status as a Liberian diplomat, he, however, added that he does not know every detail of Mr. Ruprah’s life. Asked if he has been honest about his knowledge of Mr. Ruprah, the former president said that “yes, what I have said is what I know. I do not know every detail of Mr. Ruprah’s life.”
On Thursday, Mr. Koumjian told Mr. Taylor that he told lies in his direct-examination because he was too desperate to discredit prosecution witnesses. Mr. Taylor dismissed this assertion as “incorrect” – but the former president did admit to a series of inconsistencies in his own previous testimony as the day wore on. Mr. Koumjian accused Mr. Taylor of giving different accounts of his relationship with National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) rebel leader the late General Jonas Savimbi. In his previous testimony, Mr. Taylor had said that he had met Gen. Savimbi in Ivory Coast but later denied ever meeting the Angolan rebel leader, asserting that he only had communications with him. When the inconsistency in his testimony was brought out to him, Mr. Taylor said that ““to be honest, I’ve never met Gen. Savimbi. I concede, what I said then was incorrect.”
Mr. Koumjian also questioned Mr. Taylor about his earlier denial that his Chief of Protocal Musa Sesay had not accompanied RUF commander Sam Bockarie to Zambia in February 2001. Mr. Bockarie, it is alleged had traveled to Zambia in February 2001 on route to Angola where Mr. Taylor had allegedly sent him to render military assistance to UNITA rebels. Mr. Taylor had previously said that it was not possible for Mr. Sesay to have travelled to Zambia without his knowledge because according to him, he saw Mr. Sesay everyday. During cross-examination on Thursday, Mr. Koumjian presented to Mr. Taylor a Liberian diplomatic passport with a photograph of Mr. Sesay, which indicated that Mr. Sesay had entered Zambia on February 10 and departed the country three days later, at about the same time Mr. Bockarie is alleged to have travelled to Zambia.
“We may have to determine the authenticity of this passport. We have seen many fake passports and fake stamps, so we’ll have to determine the authenticity of it,” Mr. Taylor responded.
“The reason you lied to these judges that you are 100 percent certain that Musa Sesay was not in Zambia and you did not know Mr. Savimbi is because you were desperate to discredit the witness who spoke about these issues,” Mr. Koumjian told Mr. Taylor.
“That is incorrect,” the former president responded.
Mr. Taylor is responding to charges that he was involved in a joint criminal enterprise with RUF rebels in Sierra Leone. Mr. Taylor has denied allegations that he supplied arms and ammunition to the rebels in return for Sierra Leone’s blood diamonds and that he helped them plan certain operations during which atrocities such as rape, murder and amputation of civilian arms were committed. From July 14 to November 10, 2009, Mr. Taylor testified in direct-examination as a witness in his own defense.
Mr. Taylor’s cross-examination continues on Monday.
Maybe I am naïve, inexperience, not shrewd or sophisticated, and subtlety of critical judgment and analysis. President Taylor has over ten thousands of direct examination on the record, it is impossible for him (anybody) to remember everything word for word what he/she said under direct examination under the circumstances. Those that are calling President Taylor a liar, most of them can’t remember an incident that happened last month, not to mention remembering over ten of thousands documents forbiddingly.
As the matter of fact, when the prosecution witnesses were caught in a lie under cross examination, the chorus to the prosecution witnesses’ song was “I am not a computer to remember everything that I said under cross examination”. “My brain is not a computer”. The prosecution witnesses lie with malice. Their lies were planned and orchestrated.
Ladies and Gentlemen, those “blue eyes devils” borrowing a phase from Malcolm X, took this innocent man’s freedom away for over six years and all they have to prove him guilty is inconsistency in his testimony? TOTAL TOTAL NONSENSE!!!
The prosecution entire cross examination is base on allegation. Allegation is an assertion, especially relating to wrongdoing or misconduct on somebody’s part, which has yet to be proved or supported by evidence.
By the time this trial is over, President Taylor would have being incarcerated perhaps for over seven years. Does anybody think that these experienced judges will sentence President Taylor to 10 to 25 years or more for contradiction in his testimony without the prosecution showing a grain of proof? Whereby, the prosecution witnesses’ testimonies were more contradicting than the man in the moon. If anybody believes this would happen, they got to be dreaming.
Noko6
Thanks for liking my posting. I am grateful.
Noko6, can you record during the cross examination of the prosecution witnesses they testify that the prosecution paid there rent for months, give them money to do business, paid their children school fees, send their children, wives and sufficient others to the hospital, give them daily allowances that were out of the norms according to Sierra Leone standards. Those witnesses that were doing day labors prosecution paid for a day’s disposition more than what they make in a month.
In addition, what the prosecution referred to as daily transportation, for example, the distance from Bo to Free Town may cost 1,000 leons round trip, the witnesses were paid 5,000 leons to come to Free Town from Bo to ascertained their dispositions. Something with food, the witnesses were paid more than triple what they usually eat under normal circumstances.
The prosecution was dishing out thousands of US dollars and local currency, to individuals who were suffering, most of them couldn’t afford a daily meal, send their children to school, wives and children to the hospitals. The prosecution give some of them money to established small businesses, now pray tell me Noko6, if this is not bribery than I don’t know what to call it. It’s on the record.
The prosecutor had completed command control over their witnesses. Witnesses were venerable; as a result, the prosecution took advantage making the witnesses adhered to whatever the prosecution wanted them to have said. Many of the witnesses wanted to state the truth in their dispositions, but the prosecution withheld the cash to those witnesses who refused to go alone with the program.
Noko6, you are aware of the hard times people are facing in that part of the World. It didn’t take long for those that were apprehensive to comply. After all, “money talk’s BS walks”.
Big B,
Forgive my cousin Noko6….he does not know much about this trial. How CREDIBLE are witnesses when they are bought??? And what evidences did they provide?? HEARSAY.
Hi Noko4,
You are not specifically attacking another reader in your comment of 5:45pm today — but you are seeeming to dismiss his knowledge without offering a justification. Can I please encourage you and all our readers to focus on the issues raised by the trial and not on other readers?
Also, just a note: hearsay has been allowed as a legitimate form of evidence in the courtroom (although sometimes it is not in this trial — in the context of this current dispute on the use of documents during cross-examination, for example, the Mia Farrow document which sets out claims that Mr. Taylor’s men gave supermodel Naomi Campbell a blood diamond given to Mr. Taylor by the Sierra Leonean junta, was not allowed.)
For those interested, we will also be posting an overview on hearsay in the Taylor trial by a legal accademic in the coming weeks.
Best,
Tracey
Tracey,
Yes there are some form of HEARSAYS that are allowed but to see what we see as EVIDENCE……A DISGRACE.
Noko6,
With the power and authority that is invested in your cousin Noko4, you are now forgiven.
Rebel format; that’s a new thing I have learnt from Taylor’s trial in The Hague; great, that is to say that Mr. Charles Taylor will also be charge for the war crimes in Angola for UNITA style of war because similar crimes were committed in that country too, Uganda, because LRA are also using child soldiers and amputating arms and legs too, DRC war too, adoption, child soldiers, wild spread killing are perpetrated. Rwanda; where thousand were killed daily, they also had similar format; they committed wild spread killed, human slaughter, and human mutilation. The war and coup in the Ivory Coast also had similar format. All the war around Africa had one format and that’s Taylor’s creation.
Congratulation Mr. Charles Taylor you are the new Napoleon of the world because of your new style of war, your new creation of war style. (So say the court in The Hague) (New world Record?)
Aunty Tracey, kindly helps me to understand this if you have any expertise on this, because I’m not a lawyer or a law student but will want to understand this aspect of the case.
Secondly the persecutors are now asking about trips to Angola was this for the reason of introducing his war format (Style) that Sam went to Angola.
The bank transfers, I think as per the constitution (I stand to be corrected) Taylor had all rights to defend the Country, so, since he was been disallow by UN to bring in arms to fight he could look anywhere and use any means because he was under attack from other rebel groups. Or we should call UN to book too for committing crime against humanity in Liberia indirectly?
Someone please help me make clear on the issue with the same war style to compare Taylor’s guilt.
Hi Chappy — you and others make a good point. The mere fact that two conflicts have similar patterns of widespread or systematic crimes committed against civilians does not in and of itself make the case for the prosecution of Mr. Taylor’s alleged responsibility for crimes in both countries. As you rightly point out — widespread and systematic abuses against civilians are part of the pattern of warfare in many countries around the world. However, in this case, what the prosecution seems to be doing is to try to use this similarity in patterns of abuses in Sierra Leone and Liberia as one of the arguments to bolster its claims that Mr. Taylor was not only in charge of his own NPFL group, but also can be linked to the rebel crimes committed in Sierra Leone. Ultimately, it will be up to the judges to decide whether this line of argument is convincing.
Best,
Tracey
Dear Tracy,
I have written two articles to be posted, unfortunately, they were not. The first one was a question directly addressed to me from Noko6. I responded to Noko6’s question, but you failed to post my response. Instead, you posted some other readers answers to Noko6’s question to me. On January 30, I wrote another article to be posted, to my dismay it is still pending. Not to mention, prior my posting there were no other postings. I was one of the first to comment. At the moment, there are eight comments posted. Regretfully, my is still pending for moderation. You usually contact the readers with the reason why their postings were not posted and advising them of the appropriate actions to take to ratify the problem and resubmitted. This was never the case with me, because I stay within the guidelines.
Those two postings that were omitted were strong opinions that would have given the readers an insight scoop about the case. But you deliberately failed to post it.
I believe you are being bias and unprofessional for what ever reasons to engage in such unethical practices. After all, the sponsor(s) of this web page intended for readers to freely express their opinions in a respectful and polite manner without fear.
Big B is an alias that is capable of going under ground and emerging under a different alias. I am not going to quit, I will do everything under the circumstances for my voice to be heard.
Thanks:
Hi Big B,
Thanks for raising this issue with me and I can understand your frustration. However, I do not want to leave you with the impression that I am not posting your comments for any political reasons. I can assure you, Big B, I have no problem with posting your comments as long as they fit with our policy for the site. I have in fact posted every one that you have submitted that have fit with our policy, and I have responded to you on the two I could not post (I have re-pasted below my note to you last Friday where I have explained the reasoning why I could not post two of them. The decision had nothing to do with the issues you were raising in the post, nor the views you expressed there. I am sure your views will contribute to the debate here and that other readers will find them interesting to read. The problem was simply this: You had just used one word at the end of each post that is counted as profanity for the purposes of our site — our legal counsel have simply prohibited me from posting comments which could be understood as including swear words, and also from changing any comments myself to blank such words out. If you remove that one word, I will happily post your comments, no problem).
On my failure to post your comment on January 30 — you are right. I am admittedly slower to moderate comments on weekends. I try to clear postings as often as possible when I am away from work, but I have my own personal commitments on the weekend which means I may not get to posts as quickly as I can during the working week. I thank you in advance for your understanding. I think your comments should all be posted now though. Please let me know if not, however, and I will check into it.
Here is my comment to you last Friday:
Submitted on 2010/01/29 at 3:49pm
Big B — you posted two comments about the prosecution payments to witnesses. I am very happy to post either or both of them — however, the sites terms of use say I cannot post profanity. If you remove the last sentence, or reframe it to fit with our policy here, I will happily publish your post. (Please note, I am not allowed to make such changes in readers’ posts).
Thanks for your undersatnding and my apologies for my delay in getting back to you on this.
Best,
Tracey
Hi Tracey,
Thanks, for the clarification to my posting. Maybe, I should have used the word “money talks, BS walks instead of spelling the word BS out. However, in the United States “money talks BS walks is not consider a profanity. But, this is not an American website. Secondly, the phase was not addressed to a particular person. Whereas, contributors to this site have used profanities many times directly addressed to other readers without punitive.
Again, I would like to remind and thank you for your tireless efforts you are rendering to us. You are one in a million!
Hi Big B — yes, absolutely, that would be completely fine. We have people visiting this site from all over the world, where we may have to consider different reactions and definitions of what is considered profane. What is considered fine here in the US may not be considered fine elsewhere, and we as moderators need to be sensitive to this. I appreciate your understanding and your willingness to repost. Thank you.
On the use of profanities by other readers, I take your point. We have realized over time that the use of profanities directed towards other readers is inconsistent with our goal of being respectful to other readers, and we have tried to address this in our current policy. This website has been a work-in-progress for us too, in order to get the right balance and considerations in place in order to have a robust and respectful dialogue where people can really feel they can discuss the issues around this trial freely and without fear of expressing their opinions. Thanks to you and other readers for helping us to create this space and bearing with us as we try to grapple with teh issues that come up, and for pushing us to reflect on areas where the balance of considerations may need further discussion.
Best,
Tracey
Tracey,
I tune into the trial last today, Ms. Hollis was alleging that Mr. Taylor acquired some United Nation documents through other means. What was that all about?
Ken — I am not sure. Let me check in with Alpha, and hopefully he or I can revert soon.
Best,
Tracey
Ken — I just checked in with Alpha — here is what he said:
“On the documents that Ms. Hollis questioned Mr. Taylor about, these were “internal UN cables” between the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General to Liberia Mr. Felix Downes-Thomas and the UN HQ in NY, copies of which Mr. Taylor received while as president. The cables were requests from UNHQ for Mr. Downes-Thomas’s personal views and analysis of particular situations in Liberia while Mr. Taylor was president. Mr. Taylor said that the cables were given to him by Mr. Downes-Thomas. He did not get them from UNHQ in NY. Ms. Hollis’s concern was that these were internal UN cables which did not mark Mr. Taylor or his government as a recipient and he was not supposed to get access to them but he did because he allegedly had a very close relationship with Mr. Downes-Thomas. Ms. Hollis has been portraying that Ms. Downes-Thomas was too close to Mr. Taylor and there were complaints that he did not meet with opposition parties, civil society or independent media. He was biased in Mr. Taylor’s favour, Ms. Hollis has claimed. His closeness to Mr. Taylor was confirmed by a UNDP Dept. of Public Affairs report. Because of this closeness, Mr. Taylor seemed to have access to UN documents which he was not supposed to get, the prosecution has claimed.”
Does this help?
Best,
Tracey
Tracey,
Was Mr. Taylor’s force the only force fighting in Liberia amongst herself??? As far as Liberia goes, Sen. Prince Johnson’s force did MORE killing and abuses according to eye witnesses, so to blame Mr. Taylor for ALL crimes done in Liberia as been portrait by the prosecutors is beyond a NORMAL BRIAN
And the same applies to Sierra Leone…the last prosecutor’s witness told this court that his limbs were chopped off by SIERRA LEONEAN ARMY….was she doing so for Mr. Taylor???
AMAZING.
Hi Noko4 — I’m not sure that the prosecutors are alleging that Mr. Taylor’s force should take the blame for all crimes in Liberia, but my understanding is that they are focussing on NPFL crimes and RUF crimes for the purposes of this case as it relates to Sierra Leone. If there is a place in the transcripts where you think that the prosecution has made this allegation against Mr. Taylor, could you point me towards it? I agree, it would seem an overly broad stretch if they were in fact making this claim, but I seem to have missed it if they have.
Best,
Tracey
Folks,
Secretary of States of the U.S. , Hilary Clinton, has endorsed and expressed delight of Ellen run for her second term in Liberia in 2011. Like I always say, these people are not even bothering anymore to put on their masks. They are however, doing it in open daylight now and nothing to hide anymore. Why are they disrespecting us? Can any powerful foreign government do what they are doing to us? Can any foreign government gives campaign contribution or utterances to influence the U.S. election? Can we consider the U.S. administration to be neutral in the coming election, especially with a high ranking official like Clinton endorsement of President Johnson Sirleaf? Will it be fair, if they told us that Ellen has won the election? Why these people continue to undermine their own credibility? UNBELIEVABLE.
Well, we will be freed one day. It may not be in our lifetime, but it will happen.
Jose,
There is nothing wrong with anyone in a foreign government commenting on their support for a president. She might be speaking in her official capacity as US Sec. of State, or maybe she was. In the 1980’s the Regan administration was arms-in-arms with Samuel Doe, even though he had murdered many people. the US voicing support to see continuity in our national development is wrong? Why didn’t you have qualms when the US send millions in food aid during the war? That’s some influence, right? Or it’s best to be selective? Welcoming Ms. Johnson-Sirleaf remarks means that the Obama will influence the elections; no!
In regards to leaders who commented on the US elections, it’s happened, remember British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown publicly mentioned his support for Obama, and Ellen, her support for Hilary. Remember during the Clinton administration, there were allegations that China was bank rolling the US elections? These things happen, but verbal support doesn’t mean voter influence.
In response to the neutrality of any country as to who is president of a nation…that’s is only a fallacy. Each country support a leader that they feel will be best for their national interest. A stable Liberia is in the best interest US national security and Liberia’s. So, there is no neutral country, but the US has not been known to tamper with elections or ballots. Anyhow, lets get back to the Doe elections of f1985, it was rigged, so because the US supported Doe, did the US encouraged him (Doe) to steal the elections? We need to stop blaming people and learn to be mature, responsible, and own our problems. If the next elections is not fair, then the buck stops with US (the Liberian people). Besides, I believe like the last elections, international monitors from many countries will be involved. It’s important that we get this thing right this time. This could be our chance to ensure that the process is irreversible. When I say right, I mean, free and fair elections…and may the best candidate win. If you, me and others want to make sure that this election is fair, I recommend that you go out campaign for the candidate of your choice, canvass, rally and exercise your basic human rights. Remember you have an opportunity that many don’t have around the world. Go and vote your candidate into office, unless you have already naturalized, and if you did, you may watch us from a distance.
You also believe that the US is disrespecting us, no my brother, we allowed ourselves to be the door mate for many years; ecause we have failed to developed our most important resources (the human capital). As a result of this sad mistake, we are not self sufficient, we don’t have a private sector, our wages are low, GDP is one of the smallest in Africa and our leaders continued to take, take and take. They deprived others while their kids were educated overseas. This cycle continued, the deprived kids become under productive individuals as such, the nation follows same pattern. We are disrespected because we don’t respect ourselves. My dad told me ones, “no one will ever see your importance until you start to see yourself as important” and this is true for Liberia. We are “proud”, yet we have no national “pride”, we talk BS, but there is nothing to boast off; our infrastructures are in ruins, out roads are network is at best poor…We are disrespected because “talk a good game”, but we make a lousy team. We have not yet learned to move forward together. We have not learned to live up to that phrase the national anthem which says, “in union” our success is for sure and together we cannot fail; we cannot be disrespected, used and abused.
MAY GOD BLESS OUR BEAUTIFUL NATION LIBERIA and GREAT BE HER FAME!
Jose,
The US noses in others’ election but she WHINES when the notion of others doing the same.
My question is in as much I believe the TRC report is WORTHLESS, it bans Pres. Johnson-Sirleaf for 30 years….it has yet to be ratify by the Liberian’s LEG….so why is it been introduced as EVIDENCE??? What happens come tomorrow it’s throw out the door, can Mr. Taylor then come back to the court if found guilty on parts of such document???
Even if Taylor is not convicted in this trial, the national security of the West African region and Liberia demands that he remains incarcerated for his lifetime.
If Taylor were to be tried for his crimes in Liberia, it would unearth too many secrets of our foreign “allies” who brought Taylor to power and sustained him.
But who can Liberians blame? When Tolbert was there, Liberians cried, “help! help! help!” Doe got there, Liberians still cried “help! Help! Help!” So there were only a few Liberians, including Taylor, brave enough to challenge Doe. In it all, I take my hat off to the Late Elmer Johnson, who was a true patriot and son of Liberia. Then when Taylor got there, and after sing the loyalty songs to Taylor, Liberians started to cry “help! Help! help!” again.
So, getting rid of Taylor was also in our foreign “allies’” best interests for “peace and quietness” in Liberia and the region. Also, he and his boyz were stealing too much, ignoring the plight of the masses of Liberian people, and becoming an international problem. Moreover, Taylor was incapable of maintaining the “peaceful and quiet” Liberia our foreign “allies” wanted and needed, so he had to go! And our own GW Bush was not taking any nonsense about it. Taylor sensed that and went flying out of Liberia.
Now, knowing quite well that Taylor is incapable of staying silent or quiet, out of sight, and/or our of politics in Liberia; and knowing that Taylor’s intervention, involvement, and/or participation in the political affairs in Liberia and/or the region will result in more of the same problems and the possible destabilization of the region and Liberia again, it is in the best interests of the international community, America, ECOWAS, Liberia and the region to have Taylor remain in jail for his lifetime; not primarily for Liberia’s or Sierra Leone’s sake but for the sake of keeping “peace and quiet” in the region so as not to cause our foreign “allies” any more headaches.
I may be wrong, but let’s watch and see!
ALUTA CONTINUA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rodney Chesson,
I am surprised at you. Your father being a former Justice Minister of Liberia and you being someone who studied law. You can say that without credible proof someone should spend the rest of their life in jail for crimes they did not commit. If Charles Taylor was the war mongerer you say he was then how come he stepped down from power to bring peace to Liberia?
Hi Noko4 – I received a comment from you at 5:38pm today which unfortunately I cannot post as it is directed towards another reader and not on issues arising from the trial.
Thanks for your understanding.
Best,
Tracey
Tracey,
Thanks but if Mr. Chesson is asking for JUSTICE then why can I point him out???
Rubbish mate
You are talking Rubbish
Okay, Sir Rogriguez, what has that to do with this trial? and please don’t get me wrong you have a legit point, and hope that you will think about sending these thoughts to the all Liberia list serve on yahoo.com, just my two cents, but will go on to remind all of us that no matter who supports who in achieving power in Liberia, be it the US, Libya, Bukina Faso,or Tiawan, and if that person decides to manupulates and take lives such as Charles Taylor is accused of doing in Liberia, Sierra Leone Guinea,Ivory coast and lie about it, even with different people close to him such as his own VP. who was a heart beat away from leadership in Liberia, Vamuyan, Marzah and others so close to him, that chosed to testified off camaras, but on the records and his own admissions of inconsistancies couple with recently released informations of his defense minister Daniel Chea’s interview of his dealings with Ivorians rebels and which was denied in his direct examinations goes to direct impeachment of every testimones he was sworn to give in the intrest of justice in this trial. QUILITY! GUILTY! GUILTY!
Hey folks, I found something that might make for good reading, it tries to expose the arm trading network that existed btw CT and Victor Bout. It mentions the ambassador at large (Ruprah) who had two different names (the other, Samir M. Nasr). Oh, did I mention he is a not Liberian, but a Kenyan? So how can a foreign national who is linked with diamond, gun running work at Maritime (LISCR said they transferred money to non-government accounts), and have close tides with the “Merchant of Death” Victor Bout? Is it me or does this look fishy to anyone? Samir Nasr or Ruprah worked where funds could easily be obtained to buy arms. He is a diamond trader also and is linked to arm dealer Victor. Victor is linked to Taliban, FARH, the RUF, and many others….Wow! When you haul rope, rope will haul bush.
Anyhow, it makes good reading. Hope you like it. I found it interesting. This might help us understand the next few days of questioning and where it is now leading. By the way Victor Bout was arrested in Thailand for trying to do arm dealing the FARH rebels of Columbia.
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://projects.publicintegrity.org/bow/images/bout_bout1.gif&imgrefurl=http://projects.publicintegrity.org/bow/report.aspx%3Faid%3D157&h=362&w=277&sz=42&tbnid=WSAsdlRJXRZ9CM:&tbnh=121&tbnw=93&prev=/images%3Fq%3DSanjivan%2BRuprah&hl=en&usg=__R1T1MTdItaw3RTSfrOmYLnFoz5w=&ei=evVkS8jEN8eY8AaHgJGhAw&sa=X&oi=image_result&resnum=5&ct=image&ved=0CBUQ9QEwBA
Bnkr,
It maybe of interesting readings but my point is where was Charles Taylor supposed to get arms from to defend your county Liberia. He had to buy arms on the black market. The United States and the UN imposed sanctions on the government. I for one am glad he was able to purchase arms which stopped ULIMO, LURD and MODEL from seizing power. Bnkr, with your international contacts you should have been lobbying the UN, State Department etc. to lift the arms embargo so the democratically elected government could defend itself against these rebels/terrorist.
Aki,
Come man, even if I could have made head waves at the State Dept. It would not have been to support the killing machinery of Taylor or any group.
Folks,
I hate to break this temporary “bad” news to you, but I am constrained to do so. However, Jose Rodriguez who continues to serve humanity just by showing up and defending humanity for the sake of true justice on this website, will limit his posting as a result of a pending exam. I will need more time to get prepare for my exam. I hope however, to rejoin you guys in the nearest time possible
Ok Jose,
Wish you good luck in your studies…
Jose,
Good luck on your exams brother.
Tracey,
Please advise why is the court proceedings starting at 3:00 pm on Monday instead of the usual time? Is this going to be the new schedule if so what are the hours?
Thanks,
Hi Aki – I understand there will be new hours for Mr. Taylor’s trial as they have to share the courtroom with the International Criminal Court so it has enough room to hear its cases as well. Let me check on the exact times and get back to you – but I understand Mr. Taylor’s trial will now be held each afternoon.
Best,
Tracey
Just read this article that George Boley has been arrested in the United States. I guess he will be looking at 97 years also.
http://jeffreygoldberg.theatlantic.com/archives/2010/01/george_boley_my_favorite_liber.php
Aki,
I am currently studying for my exam, and I decided to peep on our site. I however, saw so many posts. Some directed at me and others directed at the general public. I could easily debunk and demolish all that was directed at me with in no time, and even help the general public of those that were directed to it. But I decide to hold back and continue my studies.
Anyways, I read the site you provided about Dr. George Boley being arrested. That site has forced me to write this piece and temporarily stopped me from studying. if it is true about Boley, I say, it is about time. Dr. Boley’s LPC killed my older brother in LAC Rubber Plantation in Distict Number Three (3), Grand Bassa County, Liberia. My older brother was savagely murdered by his rebels with dull cutlasses and chopped into pieces. My brother crime was, he looks to “healthy and big” Therefore, he must have been enjoying inthe war. My beloved brother died for free. Nobody dares to ask Dr. George Boley any question. What is happening to Boley, should not stop to Boley alone. But it should continue to all those that cause us problems including Ellen.
Lastly Aki, you guys should not let bnker and the rest get away with comments like Victor Bout and etc. You and I know this man was acquitted of the charges brought against him. Bro. I have to run. Because this is a group study and they are calling me right now.
Who was acquitted? Samir or Victor? Samir trial is still pending and Victor could be looking at extradition to the USA…Now, go back and study? Stop lying to your friend dem, mehn.
Again, good luck on your exam…you mus mind this site and fail yah!
bnker, I was referring to Gus, the Dutch nationale of being acquitted and mistakingly talked about Victor. You and I know Victor Bout has a serious credibilty issue and that’s what I was about to talk about when I left as the result of my studies. however, I was in a rush. Anyways, it was an honest mistake on my part. But I have to go.
besides…the info was FYI—u missed that too? Re-read pls
Jose,
Sorry to hear about your brother–I honestly am. I was fortunate my immediate family was never harmed. So, I cannot say, I know how it feels, but I sure know it was ridiculous that people died because of their looks. Now, I understand why you didn’t join the argument that innocent people who died were just casualty of war and those things are expected as some have eluded. I am not going to us this sad event as a debate issue. Sorry, bro.
Yes, Gus was acquitted.
Now study, what are you doing in school? Hey there is a Bassa County Community College; they are looking for people, want to take shot at it?
Bnker, is that a U.N. sponsored program? I mean the Bassa County Community College.
OK…its good that we decentralized our educational system…Where exactly is it located. Maybe I will visit it when I am in Liberia this year!
I am not sure who the sponsor is….
I think there is mix up of the live videos, on the SCSL site.
Aki, thanks for the link regarding Boley. It is a shame that others are doing what Liberia should be doing but since we lack the capacity to do so, I think it is great the US and others are doing this for us. I hope other countries can follow suit.
All our so-called “Liberators” should answer for the part in War, I am not suggesting they are all guilty but it will be good for all to show their contribution.
To Big B:
Initially, upon discovering this site, I thought brilliant. As I have followed the reporting style of the briefings by the editors, it has become evident that they are not interested in justice. Worse they are paid propagandist who now have blood on thier hands for conspiring with the devil. They are not even hiding their bias, as evidenced by the invitation of David Crane.( His cover “Special Prosecutor for Sierra Leone) The same David Crane who amateurish and arrogant maneuver as UN representative lead to the escalation of the civil war in Liberia and deaths of many Liberians. For this he was discredited and soon after relieved of his post with the UN in West African region. To grant him audience as Guest Interviewee shows who the so called Opens Society really cares about. He showed his contempt for the Open Society alright.
Interesting how indigenese reference the Devil when referring to you know who.
Indians – White Man got Two Tongue
Africans: White man Eat Witch
to name a few.
The arrogance of these people is without boundaries.
As a private citizen visiting Liberia 3 years ago, i was followed the devil and one of his witches. We lured them into a Dead End, then conofronted them. You should have seen them Turn Devil Red with embarassement.. They refused to turn down their windows. We had them followed, and guess where they turned up? Even my former English Teacher from 30 years ago, John Singler, a low level CIA agent thought to get in on the act by confronting me about issues on Liberia he had nothing to do with. Worse, he thought he would impress or intimidate me by referrencing telephone calls I had made here in the States and Liberia. Showing up at places I mentioned during those phone calls before I did. This in my own country. That is the level of their arrogance.
Like you i too have postings that are awaiting Moderation. I do not expect a response because this absence of response is an affirmation of the accuracy of the allegations.
OJ Simpson was pronounced not Guilty, not because he did not commit the crime, but because the Nazi in their efforts to bolster their case sought to plant evidence. Any man who has lead an armed conflict, can be accused of war crimes. That is the nature of War, Civilians bear the brunt of the atrocities. It is is the looser who gets prosecuted, and the winnter can take the Moral High Ground. They are all guilty in the eyes ot the public.
Hi Michael A,
Again, I must apologize for the delay in posting your comment of yesterday. I had to check in with our legal department about the identification of people by name in this post.
More generally, your comment seemed to indicate that you were disappointed with the reporting and moderation of this site. May I take this opportunity now to try to address some of the concerns you raise?
The invitation to Mr. Crane to be interviewed: We asked Mr. Crane to answer readers’ questions about the trial in response to requests from readers themselves. This interview was intended to be in the same vein as the one we did last year with Stephen Rapp, the then chief prosecutor of the Special Court for Sierra Leone and which we plan to do with Courtenay Griffiths, Mr. Taylor’s lead defense counsel, who also agreed to be interviewed by us after Mr. Taylor’s testimony was complete. Our intention is not to be biased towards one side or the other, but we are offering the opportunity for interviews to both sides, and also responding to readers’ own requests for interviews with people related to the trial when we can, as we did in this case with Mr. Crane.
On your comments awaiting moderation: I have posted all the comments I have received from you, with two apologies for delays in posting and responding on two of them. On the first, which I addressed yesterday, I hope that I explained that we take any concerns by readers of alleged bias very seriously — I wanted to go back and double check the transcript and the context of the article so I could give you a fully informed and comprehensive response to your concerns. I hope I did so. On yesterday’s comment you submitted, I had to run it past our legal department, which I explain above, and have now posted it.
In any case, I appreciate you raising these issues with us and I look forward to our continued conversation about the trial, Michael A. I hope I have adequately addressed your concerns, but remain happy to discuss them with you further if you wish.
Best,
Tracey
https://www.trcofliberia.org/newer-hearing-videos/philip-wlue-gen-rambo-part-4-147-2/view
This is a link from the Liberia Truth and Reconciliation hearings. I thought to post this since the prosecution is heavily relying on parts of the TRC reports. Those who are non-Liberians might not be able to understand the libonics (Liberian colloquial). The video shows the testimony of one of the most fearsome rebel commander , who fought in the Liberian war since its inception in 1989. The name of this rebel commader is Phillip Wulue, notoriously call “Gen. Rambo.”
Gen Rambo fought against the NPFL in many capacities. He was a member of the AFL (Armed Forces of Liberia), founding member of ULIMO (both J & K), founding member of LPC, MODEL and LURD, and he fought in many other small groups against Charles Taylor. Rambo disclosed during his testimony at the TRC that:
1. Before LURD attacked against Liberia, there were several previous attacks into Liberia , under a group, but they failed. This corroborates Taylor statement that they were several attacks previously, and debunks the prosecution claimed that LURD first attack Liberia in Lofa in 1999.
2. Rambo admitted under oath that a United Nation force’s military General serving in the SL theater provided money and weapons for LURD forces. And that Guinea and SL supported LURD and MODEL.
3. Rambo, of all persons, surprisingly disagreed with the prosecution of Charles Taylor. He indicated that Taylor supported RUF once but SL supported war in Liberia on many occassion. He argued that SLeons killed their own people and their style of war brutality was completely different from Liberia.
4. Rambo said that world powers supported their war efforts.
King….thanks for the information…
Let’s take a look at something here, you write “before LURD attacked against Liberia, there were several previous attacks into Liberia , under a group, but they failed. This corroborates Taylor statement that they were several attacks previously, and debunks the prosecution claimed that LURD first attack Liberia in Lofa in 1999. There is something that I believe you over looked, and it’s this phrase, “…under a group…” a group does it refer to LURD? Maybe I missed something…
The situation where guns were traded for money and other minerals in SL is nothing new. It’s been a open secret.
FYI. Here is an article that talks about arm trading, Victor Bout again is involved. The article alleges that arms were bought from as they call him in the article, “merchant of death” in March 1999 (page 71, paragraph 1, column 2)
oops, I guess its difficult for anyone to read the article if I don’t pasts the link, huh? Duh! Sorry, here it is:
http://www.fas.org/asmp/library/articles/SchroederLamb.pdf
I’m sometimes left wondering, what does bnker really want?
Harris K Johnson
Harris K. Johnson,
Bnker wants Charles Taylor to go to jail. But he keeps playing games with Bnker. One minute, he says, though, not for Sierra Leon, I want him put in the “slammer” , but for Liberia. The second minute, Charles Taylor absence from the sub-region had brought peace. Therefore, he wants Taylor in the “slammer” , or continue to be in the “slammer.” Eventhough, it is because of Sierra Leone, he Taylor is in the “slammer.”
What do you mean what I want…..simple, I am hoping to provide reading material that we all can understand what the “heck” is going on….It is meant to stimulate the debate, it’s purpose is to expand our horizon….
Did I answer your question. If you have literature out there, please provide it, because there is nothing better than learning…..
Charles Taylor dug a big, wide and deep hole for himself when he allowed his defense team to keep him on the stand for months. Now, all the prosecutors have to do is impeach him, catch him in his web of lies, and half-truths. Charles Taylor’s ego got the best of him. He stood a better chance if he had thrown himself at the mercy of the court, admit he supported RUF but was unaware of the level of attrocities. Those judges would have probably slapped him on the wrist, given him couple of years or sanctioned him. But nooooo….he went after everyone, blamed everyone, called everyone else liars, and denied, denied, denied. Now, the prosecutors are slowly, but surely chipping away at his inconsistant direct examination.
If you had taken Taylor’s word as the gospel truth, you wouldn’t have known he had a big fat bank account at LBDI. Taylor never told anyone about that account. You wouldn’t have known Taylor transferred US$500,000 to a Swiss account, or US$150,000 elsewhere. You have him transferring millions in and out of his personal account. You have him giving diamond to Naomi Campbell in South Africa. You have him supporting rebels in Ivory Coast. You have him sending fighters to Guinea, you have him bringing over 300 questionable RUF characters and granting them all Liberian citizenship. You have him sending his Chief of Protocal with RUF Leader Bockarie to Zambia. You have him purchasing satelite phone for former RUF fighter. We had witnesses testifying Taylor send them to purchase arms for shipment to Sierra Leone…Taylor conveniently denied those charges, but a reasonable person will make the connections between Taylor’s chief of protocol making those trips, and the hefty funds being transferred.
Unfortunately in my humble opinion those who continue to complain that the prosecutors have not proven its case, simply aren’t following this case closely with an open mind. Over 90 prosecuting witnesses testified against Taylor in this case…Taylor’s defense team couldn’t shake some of the most damaging, detail testimonies provided by those witnesses. In a trial like this, you just don’t write people’s testimoney off. I think the defense team did just that. Taylor himself have admitted to, or acknowledged some of what those witnesses said. Musa Sesay, Taylor’s Chief of Protocol, provided the most damaging evidence against his former boss….I believe, when his passported showed him going helta-skelta all over the place…sometimes accompanied by (you guessed it), RUF leader Sam Bockarie.
If Bockarie was simply in Liberia for peace’s sake at Taylor’s invitation, why couldn’t sit right there in Liberia? Why was he accompanied (out of Liberia) by Taylor’s Chief of Protocol? The worst part about it, why did Taylor incorporate 300 known killers and fighters from RUF, into the ATU? Why were they granted Liberian citizenship? A reasonable person would conclude Taylor had heavy influence and/or control over RUF fighters and wented them in Liberia…that’s why he brought them all in Liberia, granted them Liberian citizenship, incorporated them in the ATU, and sending them to fight in the Ivory Coast, Guinea, and Sierra Leone.
But then again, if you’re in denial, you’ll write all of that off. Hence…you have to be in total denial, to believe Taylor never helped, aided, supported, or fund the war in Sierra Leone. Go back and re-read testimonies from people like Dennis Koker, Issa Sesay, and folks like Joseph D. “Zigzag” Marzah. The prosecutor have painted an unflattering picture of a man who admitted that he had no problem, or saw nothing wrong with using real human skulls (some of them, victims of his ATU), as roadblocks.
I don’t know about some of you Taylor defendants, but the average person out there WOULD have problems with using real human skulls as roadblocks. Taylor has illustrated he does not value life….the only life he values is his, and no one else. The rights and privileges he is enjoying in the Hague, he never offered that to the victims of his ATU/RUF in Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia and Ivory Coast.
Cousin6
Your first paragraph made me laugh big time today..you mean those bad, bad charges that are being put against Taylor.. I aint think you serious my man..Who on earth will ever plead guilty to those kinds of charges?? Especially something the peron didn’t do like in Taylors’ case. NO WAY…..
Must say I found the article on Bout interesting. I have mentioned the book Merchant of Death earlier. In it the authors basically claim that it was Taylor and Bout — with Sankoh on the sideline– who orchestrated the invasion of Kono District. The argument is that Taylor needed the diamonds from Kono to pay Bout for AKs and other weaponry. I know that point raised some anger among some of the participants in here but I’d be interested in knowing a) why this hasn’t seemed to be brought up at all (I mean, either that is a very, very incriminating fact or the authors of the book should be convicted for very, very incriminating remarks), and b) whether anyone has any inside knowledge on this issue.
Keep it up everyone — even if this trial doesn’t come out in your favored direction, this forum is another proof that active, participatory democracy is alive and kicking in West Africa!
Jakobo — thanks for your comment.
I was particularly struck by your last sentence — I agree fundamentally. I too have been thrilled to see this kind of participatory democratic debate here in the discussions on this site. I hope readers continue to debate the issues arising from this trial and its implications in West Africa.
Best,
Tracey
Question for the forum (and for the moderator)….Can anyone tell me why Charles Taylor sent weapons to Ivory Coast, particularly to Robert Geui (sp), a guy that had just staged a coup? What was the justification of such action?
And, is it true Charles Taylor turned up late for court? I read he claimed folks may have tampered with his 1-million-page documents, hence he might need weeks to go through them again, but the judge denied that, and ordered Taylor to show up in court. Is there a transcript to confirm or refute the claim Mr. Taylor showed up late?
Hi Noko6 – Mr. Tayor told the court last week that the arms and ammunitions sent to General Guei were the personal weapons of the Ivorians in Liberia whom Mr. Taylor sent to act as personal bodyguards for General Guei. Here is the extract from the transcript (which you can find here: http://www.sc-sl.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=d5s0jr8una8%3d&tabid=160 – on pages 34266-34267):
Q. And when it says that you sent – that he told the panel that you sent small quantities of ammunition and light weapons, did you send small quantities of ammunition and light weapons to General Guei?
A. Well, yes, but I don’t think the panel is fooled about this. There were personnel, and those personnel carry small ammunition and weapons. We sent the – some of the Ivorians that were in Liberia that even served as his personal bodyguards, and they carried the small weapons and ammunition, yes.
Q. When you say the Ivorians in Liberia, explain who you mean?
A. Oh, there were trained Libe – Ivorians that were living in Liberia during the time of my presidency. We packed some of them up and went, and General Guei wanted protection, so we let them go back. When they were going, they did carry their physical arms with them.
On Mr. Taylor being late for court: yes that is correct. You can read about it in the same transcript between pages 34187 and 34196. (You can also access the transcripts through the Special Court’s own website here: http://www.sc-sl.org/CASES/ProsecutorvsCharlesTaylor/Transcripts/tabid/160/Default.aspx.
I hope this helps, Noko6.
Best,
Tracey
Hi Bnker – received your 3:59pm comment and no problem. Will post the later one, and not the earlier one. Thanks for letting me know.
Best, as always,
Tracey
So im working on a report for world cultures, I don’t understand history to much but i have to do a currenty event in my report and my teacher said to do it on charles taylor.. so i was wondering if somebody would like to help to summarize this whole bank transfer stuff, because I dont understand anything being said, the reports due monday, feb 8th, some help please? 🙂 <3ashleyyy
Hi Ashley — what exactly do you need to know? I’m sure either we moderators/monitors, or one of our readers, will be able to assist if we can. Have you gone back and read the relevant reports on this site? They should help provide some background?
Best,
Tracey
anybody? this projects worth more then half my grade and I really need to do good on it, besides the fact that its my first grade for this semester! ):
Sorry Tracey,
didnt see you said something back! Well I dont have to write about anything in particular just something about whats going on with him and what hes being accused for and what not. Im not the smartest person in the world, I cant read things and process them as good as I should beable to. Everything just kind of goes in one ear out the other. Just a summary of what happened with this whole trial about bank transfers would be nice if you could if not ill just try on my own! Just want to do go! (: thank you
Hi Ashley — just sent you some links that should help a bit. Good luck!
Best,
Tracey
Like are they still going on with the trial? or is it over? I don’t understand history at all I don’t understand big words! If the trials not over yet what is happening currently in the trial?
Jose,
You are still pouting over my position on this trial? I make no qualms about where I stand and what I want. I want Taylor in jail (here is the caveat, for crimes committed in Liberia). I said this from the get go, SL should not have legal jurisdiction over Liberia. It compromises our sovereignty and I am not in for that. That is the basis of my frown on the trial coupled with the lack of evidence (or so I thought). I think some of you all find it difficult to reconcile trying to view things from both prospective. Some of you want to see Taylor and all warlords free of all murderous acts against humanity, especially those committed in Liberia. I don’t think I am willing to compromise that. So if Taylor goes unpunished, do you subscribe that the leaders of all groups including LPC goes unpunished as well? You may say yes, I will say no. You will say you want Samukai, Ellen and every Tom, Dick and Harry on the list, so what if you don’t get your wish? Do you want to see George Boley and others walk proudly while flunting the loots and spoils of wars. People cannot start wars, kill people, and think that they may get away with it. If we don’t want to do it, let someone do it for us; that’s why I welcome Boley’s arrest. This again is a family that I know his children, but you know what….Liberia is worth more than the late Tod Boley or George Boley, Jr. I can’t wait to see the next one come over the the US and get locked up too.
OK, on the trial, the last few weeks turned out to be interesting. I enjoyed both the defense witness thorough explanation, and his flops. I think you can agree with me that there were blunders on both sides, some of them serious and others darn right embarrassing. I look forward to the remaining days. I also think the prosecution has the defense pinned against the wall that’s why the 1 week was requested and needed. But, you know what, this is one heck of a case, I am still impressed with the defense lead (Courtney).
I probably didn’t clear your doubts, but hey, I am here to satisfy $$Ker and no one else. Think what you may, it adds nor removes a day from the life granted me thus far.
I hope you pass that test, because if you didn’t we might have to look for another teacher for that community college in Bassa
Jose,
Can you please rephrase some aspects of your second paragraph? The comments seem to point at very strong allegations, which, if not very clear or correct might have legal implications for the site. Kindly rephrase and i’ll be happy to post your comment right away.
Thanks,
Alpha