Former Liberian president Charles Taylor is appealing his war crimes conviction and 50-year sentence for acts of terrorism, murder, rape and recruiting child soldiers during Sierra Leone’s decade-long civil war. The U.N.-backed Special Court of Sierra Leone in The Hague began hearing two days of oral arguments Tuesday. Taylor’s lawyers argued for eliminating or shortening […]
Former Rebel Convicted of Tampering in Charles Taylor Trial
Posted June 22nd, 2012 at 8:55 am (UTC-5)
A Sierra Leone man has been convicted of trying to bribe and influence witnesses in the trial of former Liberian president Charles Taylor. The Special Court for Sierra Leone found Eric Koi Senessie guilty on eight of nine contempt of court charges in a verdict handed down late Thursday. Justice Theresa Doherty ruled that Senessie […]
Charles Taylor to Appeal Sentence
Posted June 19th, 2012 at 7:00 am (UTC-5)
Former Liberian president Charles Taylor plans to appeal his conviction for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The Special Court for Sierra Leone released a short statement Tuesday saying Taylor’s defense lawyers have filed notice of intention to appeal. The court sentenced Taylor to 50 years in prison last month for aiding rebels in Sierra […]
Charles Taylor Sentenced to 50 Years for War Crimes
Posted May 30th, 2012 at 4:35 pm (UTC-5)
A special tribunal in The Hague sentenced former Liberian President Charles Taylor to 50 years in prison Wednesday for war crimes and crimes against humanity in neighboring Sierra Leone. The Special Court for Sierra Leone said Taylor used his position to aid and abet rebels rather than to promote peace and stability. Presiding judge Richard […]
Sierra Leone: Taylor Sentencing Is ‘Justice Done’
Posted May 30th, 2012 at 10:55 am (UTC-5)
The government of Sierra Leone says “justice has been done” with the sentencing of former Liberian president Charles Taylor. Government spokesman Sheka Tarawalie said Wednesday that Taylor’s 50-year prison sentence for war crimes and crimes against humanity was welcome news for victims who may now find some relief. Some Sierra Leonians expressed disappointment with the […]
Tribunal Sentences Charles Taylor to 50 Years for War Crimes
Posted May 30th, 2012 at 7:00 am (UTC-5)
A special tribunal has sentenced former Liberian president Charles Taylor to 50 years in prison for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The Special Court for Sierra Leone handed down its sentence Wednesday in The Hague, saying Taylor used his position to aid and abet rebels rather than to promote peace and stability. Presiding Judge […]
Tribunal Sentences Charles Taylor to 50 Years for War Crimes
Posted May 30th, 2012 at 5:50 am (UTC-5)
A special tribunal has sentenced former Liberian president Charles Taylor to 50 years in prison for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The Special Court for Sierra Leone handed down its sentence Wednesday in The Hague, saying Taylor used his position to aid and abet rebels rather than to promote peace and stability. Prosecutors had […]
Tribunal to Sentence Charles Taylor for War Crimes
Posted May 30th, 2012 at 12:05 am (UTC-5)
A special tribunal is set to sentence former Liberian president Charles Taylor for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The Special Court for Sierra Leone will hand down its sentence Wednesday in The Hague, with prosecutors asking for an 80-year prison term. Taylor’s defense has recommended the punishment not amount to an effective life sentence […]
Charles Taylor Tells Court: ‘I Sympathize with Victims of Sierra Leone Civil War’
Posted May 16th, 2012 at 5:05 pm (UTC-5)
Former Liberian president Charles Taylor told judges at his sentencing hearing Wednesday in the Netherlands he has “deepest sympathies” for those who suffered during Sierra Leone’s brutal, decade-long civil war. But Taylor stopped short of admitting any wrongdoing or apologizing for atrocities committed by rebels he armed in exchange for so-called “blood diamonds,” mined in […]
Charles Taylor Speaks at War Crimes Trial Sentencing
Posted May 16th, 2012 at 11:00 am (UTC-5)
Former Liberian president Charles Taylor has said he has “deepest sympathies” for those who suffered during Sierra Leone’s brutal civil war — but stopped short of apologizing for atrocities committed by rebels he armed in exchange for diamonds. Instead, Taylor told judges in The Hague Wednesday that his actions during the bloody conflict were “done […]
