This article also appears on the Open Society Foundations blog.
April 26, 2012, marked the conclusion of a nearly six-year long saga. A three-judge panel at the Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL) sitting in The Hague, the Netherlands unanimously found the former Liberian president Charles Taylor guilty of aiding and abetting 11 crimes, including murder, rape, sexual slavery, and forced labor. He was further convicted of planning, with Sierra Leonean rebels, attacks in three different areas of the country, including the capital Freetown and diamond-rich district of Kono. Taylor, wearing a dark, tailored suit, white shirt, and maroon necktie, sat solemnly—often gazing down—as he listened for nearly two and a half hours as Judge Richard Lussick read the summary of the judgment.
The 80-seat public gallery, which is perched high above the courtroom, was filled with NGO representatives, civil society groups, including victims of the conflict from Sierra Leone and Liberia, former SCSL staff, diplomats, journalists, and members of Taylor’s own family. They sat quietly listening closely to the judgment awaiting the final verdict. After two hours, there was a short break while the tape recording the hearing had to be replaced. The gallery erupted into a quiet murmur discussing what had been pronounced up to this point. After 420 days of trial, 115 witness, over 50,000 pages of testimony, and 1,520 exhibits presented, the world was finally about to know the verdict. Taylor was asked to stand. He listened with his hands clasped in front of him as Judge Lussick read the guilty verdict.
In a trial that featured many dramatic moments, including testimony about human cannibalism, British supermodel Naomi Campbell giving evidence of “blood diamonds,” and lawyers storming out of the courtroom, the judgment did not come without its moment. After the verdict was read, Alternate Judge Malick Sow began to read a statement disagreeing with the outcome of the case. As Judge Sow read aloud, the three judge panel rose and exited the courtroom. The microphones and cameras were shut off and the screen lowered in the public gallery. The public did not hear the completion of Judge Sow’s statement. As the screen closed on the courtroom, the observers filed out of the public gallery—many with a look of satisfaction—no one seemingly surprised.
In the media room, reporters from Europe and Africa clamored around former prosecutors David Crane, who signed the 2003 indictment against Taylor, and Stephen Rapp. About half a dozen television cameras were set up at the front of the room to record the press conferences of the prosecution and defense. Current Prosecutor Brenda Hollis hailed the historic conviction, Taylor was the first head of state to be convicted in by an international criminal tribunal since the Nuremburg trials in 1946, and paid deference to the victims of the decade-long civil war: “Today is for the people of Sierra Leone who suffered horribly at the hands of Charles Taylor…This judgment brings some measure of justice to the many thousands of victims who paid a terrible price for Mr. Taylor’s crimes.”
The civil war in Sierra Leone between the government and rebel groups claimed up to 50,000 lives with many thousands more devastated by being forced to serve as child soldiers and sex slaves and by having limbs amputated—a trademark of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebel group. The judges ruled that Taylor knowingly assisted the commission of these crimes by providing a continuous flow of arms and ammunition to the RUF in exchange for diamonds.
During the defense press conference, Taylor’s lead counsel Courtenay Griffiths said that the verdict was inevitable and that it sets an “unwelcome precedent.” He also expressed concern that Judge Sow was not able to put his statement of disagreement on the record. Griffiths stayed on message, as he has throughout the trial, suggesting it was political in nature and that double standards in international criminal justice mean that only African leaders are subjected to judicial scrutiny. He said the decision could constrain leaders of smaller countries who may need to protect their borders. Others did not feel this way.
Patrick Pokawa, who traveled from Sierra Leone representing civil society, said that he “saw the process as a very fair trial…I think our people will be happy when they hear this kind of news.” He said only a couple thousand people may have heard about the verdict, so he will be traveling to the villages and provinces throughout the country to explain what he saw and heard at the court. He predicted, “The fact that justice has been done; they will be happy.”
Readers of the website that has monitored the Taylor trial since 2008 and who ardently followed the proceedings expressed similar reactions in response to the verdict. One comment [vem] expressed, “We waited patiently for this day hoping that the dead will get justice through the determination of the civilized world and that the victims, even though they cannot get back what has been taken away from them, can finally see the man who crucially contributed to their carnage behind bars.” Another [swizz] noted that “the time for impunity is over.”
Voices from Taylor supporters were also heard on the Taylor trial website. One longtime reader [Aki] wrote a personal note to Taylor, “The people in Liberia know that you [Taylor] are innocent no matter what the judges say. History will treat you much kinder then the international conspiracy is doing today.” Another [Harris K Johnson] expressed outrage, “If this is what you call justice, then there shouldn’t be a court. All one needs is to wage war on little and powerless nation, kill their leaders and steal all of the counties’ oil, diamond, and timbers like America and their big brother have always done.”
Regardless of opinions, the Taylor judgment is monumental and puts heads of state on notice that their illegal actions as leaders are no longer immune from justice.
In the coming weeks, the prosecution and defense will be submitting filings on sentencing. The prosecution and the defense will make oral submissions at a sentencing hearing on May 16 and the judges will read out Taylor’s sentence on May 30, 2012. At this time, Taylor will also have the opportunity to address the court, possibly his final opportunity to make a public statement before his jail term begins. Both the prosecution and defense have the right to appeal the judgment. Any prison term he receives will be served in the United Kingdom.
Taegin,
What about the more serious charges that Mr.Taylor was found not guilty of? Command Responsibilty, Not Guilty, JCE, Not Guilty, Ordering of crimens, Not Guilty and Instigating of Crimes, Not Guilty. I guess those are not important in your article.
Dear Aki,
Yes, that Taylor was found not guilty for crimes under the theory of command responsibility and joint criminal enterprise is indeed important. The main concern in my article was giving readers an insight into the atmosphere of the courtroom and public gallery during the judgment. Your point is noted.
Regards,
Taegin
Ok……point well taken but sometime back, we asked the moderators of this site how they felt about the trial and they responded that they couldn’t comment. Now that the trial is over, I will like to know thier takes…….
You may as well address this question during your appeal, Aki. This trial is over and you need to get over it.. and eat your farinia with kerya pepper. Taylor is guilty of sexual slavery, amongst many other charges, Aki, there is no return..taylor will never see the Motherland as I had predictyed, Aki..Now who born dog? This man was evil, no matter how you look at it, Aki..This man did some things we do not want to discuss here just to protect our culture and honour! I will reveal all of it in my novel, Aki..for the literates to read. I am satisfied and happy this man received justice that he deserves! Bravo..now I can go to my grave peacefully, Aki Bravo!
aki
aiding and abetting war crimes such as sexual slavery and terrorising civilians are not serious enough for you? What a poor human one must be.
Swizz,
That is what the judges are saying he did “aiding and abetting.” I don’t and will never believe witnesses who were granted asyulum in the States and Europe as an incentive to come and testify. What did you want witnesses such as Abu Keita and Vamuyan Sheriff to say ? No he didn’t provide arms but I want the court to take me and my family anyway to live in Europe. I think come May 30th you and fallah Menjor will be very disappointed in the aiding and abetting sentence the judges impose.
No Swizz it is not. In law aiding and abetting sexual slavery is not has serious as ordering sexual slavery or commanding subordinates to carry out sexual slavery. Remember if the Sierra Leoneans were stupid enough to rape and murder their own people because they wanted to get diamonds. Don’t ask me to say otherwise. Maybe you are too young to remember but Sierra Leone has been at the root of Liberia’s problems since they aided and abetted the invasion of General Quiwonkpa into Liberia in 1985.
J.fallah Menjor,
Even David Crane now admits you will never get any money from Charles Taylor. See the below link. Sorry!
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/charles-taylors-cash-likely-to-stay-stashed/story-fnb64oi6-1226342072200
aki
what i mentioned earlier:
Article 19 of the statute allows: Trial Chamber may order the forfeiture of the property, proceeds and any assets acquired unlawfully or by criminal conduct, and their return to their rightful owner or to the State of Sierra Leone.
they should seize the property of taylor and his relatives. i hope they do.
Dear Taegin,
Thanks for including some of our many posts here. But it would have great were you to include the many mix views from across Africa.
Who is Harris, to tell how Taegin and Alpha run their organization? This guy seems so angry that he attempts to find any avenue to vent his anger on! Get a life, taylor will never pay your children school fees and give you security job as he had you doing when he lived in Gbarnga!You might want to consider joining the Unity Party, since it appears like you are one of those that can not live independently, without having someone to lead your life! Seriously, stop all this garbage..you should be ashamed of yourself to start all these attacks! They are unnecessary, Harris. You can only appeal your case, but cannot revise the decision of the Court through public opinions! Simple as that! Your buddy, jfallahmenjor, the Kissi Warrior!
Fallah,
Are you now saying that public opinions are of no use in the court of law? This was one of the bases of the verdict against Mr. Taylor, and you have been in support from the start of this trial. However, I am not surprise because you’re always contradicting yourself. As for job, I am happy to inform you that I am working with a notable non-governmental organization. My salary is one of the highest in present day Liberia. My salary is far better than that of your government ministers. I also own a beautiful house that I build with my own money. My car is one of the best in Monrovia. fallah, I don’t need Mr. Taylor before I live. All what I am seeking is justice for all. God has blessed me with a beautiful wife and four children that are doing so well in one of Liberia best schools. I am not sure if your father would have sent you to such school in Liberia. Fallah, we are not beggars in our own country Liberia. Maybe I invite you to my far one day.
Harris makes me laugh..this is a guy who talks like he got it going on..yet he sounds so disgruntled, against Ellen, the West, and anything that is not taylorine, and now wants me to believe he owns a house with 4 children attending one of the best schools in Liberia?
Garbage, you have nothing Harris, I know your late fathers’s farm in Bong County..few acres of old rubber trees, called a farm? You need to back down because you have nothing.. you are not among those of us with not only cash on hand through honest labour, but with education and intellectual abilities you can only envy! Seriously, If Harris was that independent, He wouldn’t have followed taylor all these years for ‘handouts!’ Or was Harris following taylor to use that opportunity to own the new farm he now has and a pitiful house he owns in Monrovia? Shame, shame, is all I can say about some of these good for nothing Liberians who had encouraged taylor all along to carry out these crimes! Shame on your entire associates, Harris!
wealth doesn’t make you a good human being.
especially when you deny the worst atrocities one can imagine.
i am not a lawyer but wishing to enter criminal justic very soon.I will like to know if all the 11 charges in the indictment falls under AIDING AND ABETTING?Is aiding and abetting the back bone of the 11 charges?or is aiding and abetting one of the 11 charges in the indictment?
I thought JCE was one of the main focus of this case and command structure?is aiding and abetting greater than JCE and the command structure alleged by the prosecution?please let the lawyers and Judges of this site answer me.I will like to know.If aiding and abetting are the back bone of the 11 charges then i believe that every leaders in this world are guilty of war crime because there is no leader who will say they have never aided a rebel group before.Another question:WHO AIDED AND ABETTED CHARLES TAYLOR NPFL?ARE THEY ALSO GUILTY OF WAR CRIME?WHO AIDED CHARLES TAYLOR TO COME TO LIBERIA AND START THE WAR?ARE THEY GUILTY OF WAR CRIMES?LAWYERS AND JUDGES,PLEASE ANSWER ME.
Dear Dek,
Mr. Taylor was found guilty of aiding and abetting all 11 charges against him. The 11 charges include crimes such as murder, rape, pillage, and using child soldiers (among others). The form of liability he was guilty of is aiding and abetting, which is a form of individual criminal liability. He was also found guilty of planning attacks in Kono, Makeni, and Freetown. Planning is also a form of individual criminal responsibility. The judges found him not guilty under the theory of command responsibility and not guilty under the theory of joint criminal enterprise (JCE). The prosecution charged all three forms of liability, but the judges only found proof beyond a reasonable doubt to convict Taylor based on individual criminal responsibility. One form of liability is not necessarily any greater or worse than another.
Regards,
Taegin
Taegin,
We all know AIDING and ABETTING is the back door to JCE….Very SHAMEFUL to see a court where we all thought JUSTICE was her MOTTO instead to be hoodwink in the MASTER’s voodoo.
Really help me out on this AIDING and ABETTING??? Let’s look at the 11 charges and point out which one FITS such…
Entitlement to opinions and the freedom to express them is what the good fights to protect , while those who resent them when in authority whimper like babies when the pendulum swings.
I am not suprised that pro-taylors are now undergrading this virdict ‘ aiding and abbetting’ against Mr. Taylor. Since Taylor was the commander -in -chief in another country and was very trifty and crafty in exploiting and destroying another country, the most convincing and just way to have him guilty is under the aiding and abbetting provisions. Oh yes he would not have been brandishing AK-47’s , RPG’s in the bushes and towns in Sierra Leone knowing he had robotic humans to use.
If you all ( protaylors) think this crime is light, wait to hear the sentencing.
Our next prayers are that he get enough term that would keep him out of getting any ground that would cast another doom on humanity. He has proven to be a menance to society so ,in this case, a second chance is unattainable.
Breaking News !
In an interview on BBC’s Focus on Africa program. Moses Blah said he was forced to testify against Mr. Taylor. He was told if he didn’t he would face the same consequences as Mr. Taylor. Moses Blah also went on to say that he hoped the Appeals Chamber would find Mr. Taylor not guilty.
He should have said that on the witness’ stand…instead he was BEGGING for money…..What a DISGRACEFUL DISGRACE…..
Good News, Aki..
I find it interesting that Anna Marie Brennan projects such inference concerning Judge El Hadji Malik Sow’s dissent.
Ms. Brennan’s statement “it is not yet clear what evidence was found satisfactory to meet the burden of proof required,” leave the impression that there has indeed not been a proper verdict reached.
See link: http://www.humanrights.ie/index.php/2012/04/30/charles-taylor-found-guilty-before-the-special-court-for-sierra-leone-2/
See also link: http://www.intlawgrrls.com/2012/04/questions-on-aiding-abetting.html
It is without disbelief that some appearing at this site has firsthand knowledge concerning the conflict in Sierra Leone; to an extent of Mr. Taylor’s nexus; has not been ascertained.
In my sixty plus years on this Earth I have witnessed people who loved to pick winners and losers; not really caring whether one is right and the other is wrong. I was not there; therefore, I cannot say what happened. But as sure as Judge El Hadji Malik Sow’s dissent came unannounced there are forthcoming’s that shall bring this Chambers judgment into doubt.
As predicted, the decision was not unanimous.
Take care,
Sekou
Sekou,
Well done the second link posted above by Sekou is a must read for anyone who wants to really understand that in international law aiding and abetting is a less serious offense then principle or command responsibility. Also the sentencing should be less then if it were the principle person.
aki
helping to kill somebody is almost the same as doing it alone. in the end you do have blood on your fingers.
Thanks Sekou….
I am drawn to these parts of the story
The only moment where a Judge can express his opinion is during the deliberations or in the courtroom, and pursuant to the rules, when there is no deliberations, the only place for me in the courtroom. I won’t get – because I think we have been sitting for too long but for me I have my dissenting opinion and I disagree with the findings and conclusions of the other Judges, standard of proof the guilt of the accused from the evidence provided in this trial is not proved beyond reasonable doubt by the Prosecution. And my only worry is that the whole system is not consistent with all the principles we know and love, and the system is not consistent with the values of international criminal justice, and I’m afraid the whole system is under grave danger of just losing all credibility, and I’m afraid this whole thing is heading for failure.
Despite the fact that Judge Sow, as an alternate judge, was not entitled to speak during the delivery of the verdict, his brief statement raises a number of interesting questions. First of all, his statement indicates that there were “no deliberations” indicating that there were significant communication problems among the judges in Trial Chamber II. Judge Sow also criticised the length of the trial which lasted for nearly four years. He also questioned the Trial Chamber’s judgment that the Prosecution had satisfactorily proven their case against Charles Taylor beyond reasonable doubt. Nevertheless it is important to note that the full judgment has yet to be released. Therefore, it is not yet clear what evidence was found satisfactory to meet the burden of proof required. In any event, it remains to be seen whether the Judge Sow’s statement will have a lasting impact on the legacy of the Special Court for Sierra Leone.
Catching words….”NO DELIBERATIONS”. How can a case of such….and the judges DIDN’T DEBAT the issues as they relate to the charges?? And some in here are telling us FAIR TRIAL??? Really??
Thanks Sekou,
I am sure Mr. Taylor will win this case in the Appeal Court if international justice is allow to take its course.
Sekou, thanks for the links bro!
I’ve been watching quietly as people who can look beyong the tip of their own noses run around the internet with wild celebration of this verdict. But the foul plays involves my cause some major changes. I won’t be taken by surprise if the goal (verdict) is disallowed at the end of the day. Taylor and those who followed this trial in the name of true justice could have the last (best) laugh.
Again, we appreciate your links, Sekou!!!
aki
read my posting from the same day above.
tomas
we do not appreciate his opportunistic links at all.
and funny how students need somebody to post links for themselves. it shows how dependent one is.
since one of the Judges is disputting the verdict,where do we stand with the sentencing?is the verdict authentic?No delibration among the Judges,does it mean that the verdict was done without agreeement among the Judges?Wow!!can a disputted verdict stand in the rules of law or will it be consider as trash?
do defense has the right to challenge the verdict since one menber of the chamber as admitted that the verdict is not authentic?
Dear Dek,
In all due respect to judge Sow; his remarks cast doubt on the verdict and we must wait and see what if any affect it have with the Appeals Chamber. Being an insider he has more public influence than the defense team and has for some affirmed injustice against Mr. Taylor.
The task of the defense will be to plead the affirmative defense; challenging all of the evidence proffered against Mr. Taylor.
The sad aspect to the discerning of justice is often reached in phases.
Take care,
Sekou
My pleasure fellows
I know that sideline legal podent’s will think that if the charge has been raised, he is guilty.
Even if he is guilty; they have not come forth with any evidence. If he is unable to receive a fair trial; they are no better than what they say he is.
This verdict has the appearance as being jury-rigged. How can they expect respectable people to respect them?
Take care,
Sekou
Sekou,
Only fallah and swizz respect this outside down verdict
aki
nobody says taylor is the only criminal in S.L.
There were the RUF and AFRC trials as well. but he aided and abetted the RUF and AFRC, therefore he is linked to the atrocities and criminal responsible. as mentioned many times: the time of impunity is over.
Sekou
only disrespectful people do not respect the rule of law. As a so called wise-guy you shoul know that. the scsl is built on the rule of law. Are you guys then saying that all the atrocities by RUF and AFRC did not take place or what?
if these atrocities took place, what is evident and even holocaust-liars can’t deny, then the same court can’t be that wrong in sending taylor to jail.
about fair trial: all the victims didn’t have a fair trial. they got executed or cutted by a drumhead trial. they didn’t have three or more defenders, which cost a 100 000 bucks. they did not get three meals a day. they do not sleep in warm and dry shelter.
Dear swizz,
It has been my experience that the Rules are generally just; the problem is the people that administer those Rules.
I understand respectful as being fair. It is obvious we respect different Rules.
Take care
Sekou
Sekou,
I thought you were neutral…
Are you shifting positions after the verdict?
Just curious.
davenport
so many on this site claim to be neutral. it’s nothing behind that wording.
Swizz,
I am reading your posts with interest.
Keep the touch alit.
Peace.
Good lyrics, Sekou. Sing more!!!
Where is Fallah and his anti-Taylor-anti-justice feet? The fire is on, come closer help yourself heard! lol
tomas
only you are anti justice, although you say repeatedly the opposite.
i’m just wondering why you outed yourself first as neutral and then as pacifist, when the opposite is true.
liars nobody takes serious.
Interesting article by a Sierra leonean who blames not Charles Taylor but the Sierra Leoneans themselves for the carnage on their county. This is what we level headed people have been saying all along. J. Fallah and Swizz please read.
http://news.sl/drwebsite/publish/article_200520174.shtml
to all
take a close look at rule 88 (C) of Procedure and Evidence of the court.
the judgment shall be rendered by a majority of the judges – you get that? Judge Sow can murmer as long as he wants, it doesn’t change anything. SEKOU: it doesn’t need unanimous votes, you can prayer as long as you like, it doesn’t change anything.
Take a close look at rule 88 (B) of Procedure and Evidence of the court.
the court may order the forfeiture of the property aquired by criminal conduct – you get that? Taylor and his friends will soon stand naked. NOKO123456: maybe your nice house and car will soon rendered to the people of sierra leone. oh, sorry, i forgot: your job does not depend on taylor, right? it all comes from an ngo. funny, because normally ngo’s do not pay more than an average salary in a country.
one can find the RPE’s here: http://www.sc-sl.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=Psp%2bFh0%2bwSI%3d&tabid=176
to repeat the same lies over and over again doesn’t mean it becomes the truth.
sorry
i meant harris k johnson and not noko123456, who is a rich man. besides: where does the money come from that you earn in this ngo? i do not hope for your crdibility that it is from the west?
swizz,
My monthly salary can pay three ministers in Liberia. I want to be record for this.
Johnson
what ngo are you working with? they have to overlook their salary policy.
and where has this wealthy ngo its money from? i guess from the west, which is devil for you.
Swizz, do not listen to these guys bragging about what they got! They have nothing.. I respecty this site and pretend to not know who they are, but in reality, we know them..not by these names here, but through intelligence probe! They are pitiful and mesirable individuals, who, because of their past, live lonely life and afraid to talk in public as they do on this site. If Harris calls himself man, why not give his address and which NGO he works for? He wouldn’t work for an NGO in Liberia and engages into politics like he does here! We know the rules of these jobs in Liberia, but again harris could do what he does best..live in hiding of the past..where cannibalism and rape was the call of the day under their infamous leader,charles gankay taylor, the now convicted prisoner for war crimes against Humanity! This is all I will touch on this subject for now..I am happy, taylor is History..and they will fade away gradually too! Liberians know how to run, but don’t know how to hide!
fallah,
You can say whatever you want. If you think you are better off than the rest of us on this site, so be it. But I will not allow myself to be drawn to your many stupid contradictions here. One day someone is white, and the next minute he/she is green. You said you know my father’s farm in Bong County with few rubber trees, and now you are asking me to publish my address here. I am sure old age has affected your reasoning. Come on the farm that you know, I will be waiting.
fallah
well said brother.
Swizz,
Because some of us DO NOT see the trial in your style means we work for Mr. Taylor?? Let’s NOT narrow this issue into CHILDISHNESS….plz
noko12345
nobody takes you serious, since you change names like your underwear or more often. and nobody takes you serious, because you laughed at victims more than one time!!!
And besides: you can’t be serious, because i didn’t blame johnson working for taylor, i asked him where the money from his ngo comes from. most money of ngo’s comes from the west. whom you and consorts consider to be the devil.
These pro-taylors are so desperate that they found every insider comments against the virdict sufficient to undo the due process. ‘The worm aways say i will get bone when i grow big’ , what a foolish notion. First of all, your denial of the truth is so grave and treacherous that your prayers are very weak and your hopes very witty to give your godfather freedom.
Vem,
I will be SATISFY with whatever verdict was rendered but when we all WATCHED and HEARD and to hear from one of the judges…”NO DELIBERATION”….don’t you find it troubling??
So what happened to the very prosecutors’ witnesses that told us DIFFERENTLY?? Or are those other three judges telling us NONE of the defense’s witnesses were CREDIBLE.
Let’s take the jar of diamond…..no one PROVED anything but the judges used that as one of the reasons DIAMOND coming out of Liberia to be sold on the world market…..REALLY???
The GUEST HOUSE in Liberia….wasn’t it given to RUF membership during their visit when GOL was working on behalf of ECOWAS??? And that’s AIDING AND ABETTING???
How are we to think when British Parliment passed a BILL to house Mr. Taylor when the trial wasn’t even play…..
Noko, this is where you cover up : the guest house you talk of was for a long time used by RUF collaborator before Mr. Taylor initiated the so call peace deal.
As a liberian i attended St. paul’s sec School in Sierra Leone when Gibril Massaquoi was then a freshman teacher. I saw this very man ( Gibril Massaquoi), the RUF spokesman then, at the guest house in Congo Town on several occasions ( in 1998 and in 1999) during which Mr. Taylor was not negotiating peace.
Thanks Vem, for your straight talk piece! These guys are very limited in logics and sometimes lacking basic intellectual ability to argue scholary or intellegently. They focus on the irrelivants and have no concept in what they say as long it does not offend their infamouse boss taylor who reads all these sites, and hands out money to the the most vocal supporter through shady ficticious bank accounts in Liberia! But once he gets to Britain, the foodstamps for these support group will dry up and dishonest supporters will turn accounts into their own names and smile that the Cat is finally chained! These are Liberians, some have no sense of moral or honest concept of relationship nor friendship. You will waste your time trusting people like that, don’t you, Vem? I am a Liberian but hate these elements in our society and had always attacked them when I find them just like on this site. They hate me because I do not agree with their arrogance and lies they live on. Most cannot fit in other nations and this is why the wish to have people like taylor to lead them in quick riches! But the game is over, their generation will suffer in our hands because we will strangle their economic strength by freezing taylor’s accounts and prosecuting any of them that comes close to it!
vem
you name it. they use words of the blessed martin luther king to back a murderer. they pray with gods words for a murderer.
not only noko12345 can’t be taken serious. all of ’em repeat the same lies. but it doesn’t mean it gets true.
Dear swizz,
I was raised to believe that it is improper to call someone a liar or a fool without having evidence to sustain a conviction. The Rules you offer does not address Aid and Abet; which makes it pointless since the issue here is there appears to be no evidence proclaimed by those setting to adjudicator Mr. Taylor’s liberty.
It is surprising to see that you can get upset over the claim; if there is no evidence to support the conviction there has not been a fair trial. Do you want to be viewed in a like manner as Mr. Taylor? I believe the claim against him is he denied individuals their right to liberty and life. Is it necessary to deny Mr. Taylor a fair trial; certainly you cannot consider that to be respectful.
If Mr. Taylor is truthfully guilty as charged, I think he should perish in jail. I think that if they have the evidence to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt; they should allow a fair trial to reach that goal. Even if he is guilty; if the evidence is unavailable; he should go free.
We will make mistakes; it appears that your emotions have come alive in your post; somewhat. I have no claim to this case; I only want to see the man get a fair trial!
Take care,
Sekou
sekou
what he got. ONLY YOU and your unsad company tell us that the evidence is not beyond all doubts. but you are not the judge and you do not know all what is behind.
RPE 88 counts for aiding and abetting like for every other decision of the court. every other understanding of that rule is out of sight. i’m wondering where you get your reasoning from. maybe from some prayers?
and let me put one thing straight: take a close look at SCSL-Statute Art. 12:
a. Three judges shall serve in the Trial Chamber […]
4. If, at the request of the President of the Special Court, an alternate judge or judges have been
appointed the presiding judge of a Trial Chamber or the Appeals Chamber shall designate such an alternate judge to be present at each stage of the trial and TO REPLACE a judge if that judge IS UNABLE to continue sitting.
Judge Sow was the fourth judge. he does not have the right to vote, i would say. therefore he does not have the right to speak. especially when session is already closed.
that is the rule of law, with what people of your size have their problems
Sekou,
swizz does not understand civilize language like his master fallah. All they preach here hit for Mr.Taylor. They don’t care about the right of the accused.
johnson and sekou
somebody who considers himself neutral, but then takes side (for a murderer) – this is a liar. for sure you don’t understand that, since a convicted murderer and terrorist for you is an innocent man. For you everyone is mislead, also an international court with the most reknown experts who do their job for a long time.
somebody who considers himself as a pacifist and then tries to seize down a court which stands for peace – this is a liar. even a notorious one.
and don’t forget mis hermanos:
liars nobody takes serious.
Charles Taylor should get 80 years says the prosecution.Just for aiding and abetting they want him to get 80 years but what if he was guilty of JCE AND COMMAND STRUCTURE?
READ THE LINK http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/05/03/prosecution-wants-80-years-for-charles-taylor239825/
These guys must be crazy. But I know QC will bring them back to their senses soon.
johnson
a well educated woman call crazy is uncivilized language.
Fifteen Civil Society Groups Unite to Campaign for Convicted Taylor’s Freedom. Read more or google this story at All Thing Africa Liberia.com. Mr. Taylor remains the most popular political leader in Liberia despite his trial.
yeah johnson
most popular for killing, abusing and terrorising the civilians. most popular for sexual slavery, cutting off limbs and corruption on the highest level.
what a nice leader you have there.
and johnson: what happend to your job with the ngo? they fired you already for outing internas?
SWIZZ, My Brother, do not back down from these guys, I am enjoying your fair fight and your simple presentation without anger! You see How they are beginning to recognize you and realizing you are not as they first thought? The Victims Ghosts appreciate man like you! I salute you and reread your posts,copy, and paste in my notes for future references for own reading. I love your responses to Pope Sekou, Harris Johnson, Noko 1to 9, and their associates.
They are losers and they know it but again, these fellow Liberians are praise singers, and do their job for tips they live on. If they were affected in anyway by taylor behaviors wouldn’t they be first to throw stones? These guys remind me of the Republicans fight against the Democrates in America. Taylorites will not stand without taylor so their end is near..soon taylor will not receive calls nor make calls! This is the buttom line..limited freedom that he denied others entirely. We shall see how he feels about that!
yes fallah
they must be praise singers. they ignore 50 000 victims and even laugh at them.
they sing the song that taylor tells them.
the must be doing it for money.
but taylor claims that he does not have money for his defense-team.
after he robbed two nations.
and johnson thinks he’s well off with his cars. if i had to back a murderer, i would ask a lot more.
swizz
Those are your words. But the majority thinks otherwise. As for my job, I am gleefully working in my position as manager. Wake up son, we own Liberia.
If you did, Harris, then you would not own just one pitiful car and 3 acres old rubber trees and calling it farm! You should also have influence over Ellen and jfallahmenjor whom you depend on for most of your basics in Liberia. I wish you knew who you talking to loser. Your foodstamps are nearing an end as taylor goes down the drain, Harris..and then we will know who owns Liberia!
johnson
there you unmasked yourself. nobody owns a country unless he’s a dictator. dictators normally act without the backing of the people.
sekou
i’m still waiting for your wise anwer to the rule 88 setting.
IF charles Taylor was find by the Hague Court of war crimes ,then what about Bush ,Aznar ,and Tony Blar? Have they nt commited the same crime against Humanitie,by invading Iraq ,killing the president and innocent Iraqies ,because of there Oil,that we are looking for quimical weapongs and Bill Laden .Oh God ,what a wonderful world, and a wonderfull so called politician . Taylor should go behind iron bars with Mr Bush , Aznar and Blar .
Mon Cher Swizz,
Who and you amount to “WE” that do not appreciate Sekou’s “opportunistic links…”?
With all my respect, can you try not making the majority of us on this good site “Taylor’s supporters”? If you carefully read through people who can see things differently than you, and maybe three other characters on here, I’m sure you should have sufficient logic to comprehend each and everyone’s position on this case and how the trial has been handled by some people in the courtroom.
How does asking for a fair trial (which is the number principle-ethic) in the court of law turns all of us into backing Mr. Taylor? If we’re not smart like you, or if our cruel loyalty from seeing what you see as fairness; is Mr. Sow objection an act of his own blind loyalty, too? All we ask for is evidence, the chief element of victory.
Some people said the man is not responsible for this and that…but he’s guilty! We say ok! But show us how? Can u show us any concrete proof beside “there are people in Freetown with short sleefs” hot air lyrics? Again, if you can give me reason fair and square, the poor man is yours to behead if you so choose. Otherwise, stop attacking everyone whose head is not sleeping under the blanket of irrational hatred for Taylor!
Take it easy…