2003
Taking Stock of Sierra Leone's Truth Commission (December 15, 2003)
Many Sierra Leoneans have lost faith in the Special Court for Sierra Leone. Some would like to see the Truth and Reconciliation Commission transformed into a "People's Court," allowing civilians to put forward their cases. (African Church Information Service/allAfrica)
Crimes of Sankoh, Maskita Will Be Brought to Light - David Crane (December 8, 2003)
David Crane, prosecutor for the Special Court for Sierra Leone, dropped the indictment against former warlords Foday Sankoh and Sam Maskita Bockarie. Nevertheless, Crane insisted that the court will not overlook their crimes. (Concord Times)
Nigeria Will Surrender Taylor for Trial (November 25, 2003)
Nigeria's President Olusegun Obasanjo will surrender former Liberian President Charles Taylor to the UN backed court in Sierra Leone if Liberia asks for his extradition. Nigeria previously resisted turning Taylor over to face a war crimes indictment by the court. (Associated Press)
Taylor Appeals War Crimes Charge (October 31, 2003)
Former Liberian President Charles Taylor challenges his indictment at the Special Court in Sierra Leone. Taylor's main argument is that he enjoyed sovereign immunity at the time of the alleged war crimes. (BBC)
Nigeria Will Hand Over Charles Taylor, Predicts War Crimes Prosecutor (September 25, 2003)
This interview with Chief Prosecutor David Crane of the Special Court for Sierra Leone shows the scope of the court as an international war crimes tribunal and gives hope for an imminent prosecution of Charles Taylor. (allAfrica)
Keep the Heat on Taylor (August 22, 2003)
A human rights expert calls on the US to pressure Nigeria to extradite former Liberian President Charles Taylor, who bears ultimate responsibility for crimes against humanity including slavery, genocide, and systematic mutilation and rape. (Christian Science Monitor)
FG Gets 14-Day Ultimatum to Extradite Taylor (August 21, 2003)
The Nigerian Coalition on the International Criminal Court gives its government 14 days to extradite Charles Taylor before mounting an international campaign to bring Nigeria into compliance with international law. (This Day)
Pressure Mounts for Taylor to Face Trial (August 12, 2003)
As former Liberian President and indicted war criminal Charles Taylor settles into a luxury villa in Nigeria, human rights groups and victims continue to call for his arrest. (UN Integrated Regional Information Networks)
Charles Taylor: International Support for Sierra Leone Special Court Critical (August 7, 2003)
The Lawyers Committee for Human Rights calls upon all states to honor their obligations under international law and turn Charles Taylor over to the Special Court for Sierra Leone should he enter their jurisdiction.
The Special Court for Sierra Leone: Promises and Pitfalls of a "New Model" (August 4, 2003)
The International Crisis Group evaluates the work of the Special Court for Sierra Leone, suggesting a series of reforms. Most importantly, it recommends that the Security Council strengthen the Courts' mandate to force nations to hand indicted criminals over to the Court.
President Taylor Joins Dubious Club (July 14, 2003)
Liberian President Charles Taylor will soon join the ranks of brutal dictators driven into exile by their own people. However, his indictment by an international court may mean that he will spend the rest of his life in a Sierra Leone jail rather than a luxury villa. (Business Day)
Besieged Liberian (July 11, 2003)
Liberian President Charles Taylor says he will step down if a UN-backed court drops its indictment against him. While Taylor's departure is necessary for peace in Liberia, human rights groups warn that amnesty for the former warlord would undermine the rule of law and give carte blanche to other war criminals. (New York Times)
Liberian President Threatens Special Court (June 23, 2003)
Reneging on his promise to step down, Liberian President and indicted war criminal Charles Taylor instead lashed out at the UN-backed court seeking to hold him accountable. (All Africa)
A Warlord's Date with Justice (June 20, 2003)
An African jurist argues that while the indictment of Charles Taylor may have increased confusion in Liberia in the short term, it nonetheless promises to end the impunity that has plagued Africa for decades. (All Africa)
Crisis in Liberia: A Call to Action (June 10, 2003)
The International Crisis Group welcomes the indictment of Liberian President Charles Taylor as a step toward peace, but warns that without strong backing from the international community Liberia will achieve neither peace nor justice.
Special Court Requests Expanded Mandate (June 11, 2003)
Following the indictment of Liberian President Charles Taylor, the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone has requested that the Security Council strengthen the Court's mandate to legally oblige states to bring Taylor to justice. (Reuters)
"We are Trying to Redress the Injustice of the War Years" - Minister of Justice (June 6, 2003)
Eke Ahmed Halloway, Sierra Leone's Justice Minister, speaks of his vision to achieve justice and reconciliation in the war-ravaged country. (Vanguard)
Sierra Leone Court Indicts Liberia Leader (June 4, 2003)
The UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone has indicted Liberian President Charles Taylor for ordering attacks against civilians and UN Peacekeepers in Sierra Leone. The announcement occurs just as Taylor joins other African leaders in Ghana for peace talks. (Guardian)
Liberian Head under Pressure as UN Court Official Makes Murder Allegations (May 16, 2003)
The family of former militant Sam Bockarie was murdered shortly after Liberian President Charles Taylor claimed Bockarie had been shot. The Special Court for Sierra Leone's chief investigator accused Taylor of ordering the murders to prevent DNA sampling being performed on Bockarie's body. (Agence France Press)
Indicted West African Warlord Killed in Liberia (May 6, 2003)
The Liberian Government claims that Sam Bockarie, a warlord indicted by the Special Court for Sierra Leone, was killed in a shoot-out with Liberian soldiers. The chief prosecutor for the court has accused Liberian President Charles Taylor of protecting Bockarie and is demanding the body for identification. (Alertnet)
Fugitives "Not in Liberia" (May 2, 2003)
Liberian President Charles Taylor has denied allegations that he is harboring two of Sierra Leone's most wanted war criminals. Alan White, chief investigator of the Special Court for Sierra Leone, insisted that Taylor would be indicted if he failed to hand over the two men. (BBC Online)
Liberian Alleged to Shield War-Crimes Fugitives (May 1, 2003)
Alan White, chief of investigations for the Special Court for Sierra Leone, accused Liberian President Charles Taylor of harboring two of Sierra Leone's most wanted criminals. The court will probably indict Taylor for his support of the rebels during Sierra Leone's civil war, so he is unlikely to cooperate in giving the two men up for trial. (Washington Post)
Sierra Leone Court May Offer Model for War Crimes Cases (April 15, 2003)
The Special Court for Sierra Leone is a unique hybrid court that combines international and local lawyers and judges in applying international law to war crimes committed in Sierra Leone. This model is cheaper and more efficient than the UN ad-hoc tribunals for Rwanda and Yugoslavia, making it a likely blueprint for future international tribunals. (Washington Post)
President of Sierra Leone Welcomes Truth and Reconciliation Commission (April 14, 2003)
The President of Sierra Leone presided over the first public hearings of the Commission tasked with investigating the horrors of the country's 10-year civil war. He argues that the TRC will compliment, not conflict with, the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone. (Sierra Leone Web)
Warrants Out for Absconding Sierra Leone War Suspects (March 20, 2003)
The Special Court for Sierra Leone issued two international arrest warrants to catch two men recently indicted by the court. The men are being pursued for war crimes committed during Sierra Leone's civil war. (Associated Press)
Sierra Leone War Crimes Court Will Hunt Guilty Anywhere (March 18, 2003)
As the Sierra Leone's special war crimes court may prosecute any foreigners responsible in the conflict, Liberia's President Charles Taylor may be included among those convicted. "There is clear evidence of regional and international involvement -- in terms of funding, political backing and military support," says the prosecutor for the war crimes court. (Reuters)
Security Council Welcomes Indictments Handed Down by Sierra Leone Court (March 14, 2003)
Security Council President Mamady Traore of Guinea praised the recent indictment of seven suspects for crimes against humanity by the Special Court of Sierra Leone. "The court will strengthen national reconciliation and contribute to the Security Council's goal of lasting peace in Sierra Leone," Traore said. (UN News)
Tribunal Indicts Sierra Leone Rebel Leader (March 10, 2003)
Sierra Leone's war crimes tribunal indicted the most notorious of the rebel leaders in the country, Foday Sankoh. Sankoh's Revolutionary United Front sought to control the government and diamond fields, and committed the most serious human rights violations. (Associated Press)
Tribunal in Africa May Serve As Model for Trial of Hussein (February 12, 2003)
The Sierra Leone Criminal Tribunal is a new type of war crimes court that attempts to make the legal process more accessible to the local community. The US strongly endorses the Tribunal's approach and will probably use it as a blueprint to try Saddam Hussein for crimes against humanity. (Wall Street Journal)
Sierra Leone Victims Need Justice (January 16, 2003)
Human Rights Watch urges the Sierra Leone war crimes tribunal to make the prosecution of sexual offences a top priority. While the RUF rebels' signature atrocity of amputation is far more visible than rape, sexual assault must not be overlooked as it is equally devastating to the victim. ( Guardian)
2002
Special Court for Sierra Leone: Speech by Prosecutor (December 11, 2002)
David M. Crane, Prosecutor for the Special Court for Sierra Leone says the Court will "work to eliminate the culture of impunity" that undermines all effort to bring peace and stability for the region. (Standard Times)
Amputees to Boycott UN Court (December 5, 2002)
The UN and the international community ignored the people of Sierra Leone during the brutal 10-year civil war, says an amputees' association. While the UN made major efforts to resettle rebels and soldiers, it overlooked their victims. (News24)
The Sierra Leone Special Court And Charles Taylor's Possible Indictment (November 11, 2002)
The Sierra Leone Special Court may bring Liberian President Charles Taylor to justice, ending his brutal and barbaric impunity. Peace and stability in Liberia will also require the deployment of an international peacekeeping force, an election commission, a Supreme Court and respect for human rights. (The Perspective)
As Sierra Leone's War Crimes Court Takes Shape, Speculation Abounds (October 29, 2002)
The Sierra Leone's war crimes tribunal, expected to begin in December 2002, brings much speculation on prosecutions for crimes against humanity in one of Africa's most brutal civil wars. (Tehran Times)
Searching for Justice (October 11, 2002)
David Crane, the prosecutor for the Special Court for Sierra Leone, wants to draw lessons from past experience "to avoid the cost and inertia" of the ICTR. The Johannesburg Guardian argues that without the "trial and conviction" of Foday Sankoh and Charles Taylor, "Crane and the war crimes court will be wasting their time."
Sierra Leone War Crime Court to Begin Deliberations in Fall (March 21, 2002)
The UN Security Council approves the final plans for the Sierra Leone Court to try those responsible for the atrocities that occurred during the 10-year civil war. Unlike its counterparts, this Tribunal will be composed of Sierra Leoneans as well as international personnel. (New York Times)
Sierra Leone: An Independent Prosecution Policy Must Be Assured (January 21, 2002)
Amnesty International stresses the importance of an independent prosecution for the special court to act effectively. Moreover, a clear relationship between the special court and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission must be established.
Unique Court to Try Killers of Sierra Leone (January 17, 2002)
The war crimes tribunal for Sierra Leone will judge the imprisoned leader Foday Sankoh, but the controversial question of its commanders and young rebels still remains.(Guardian)
War Crimes Tribunal in Sierra Leone: The Walls are Closing in on Taylor (January 7, 2002)
The trial in Sierra Leone will have ramifications on the political process in Liberia. If Foday Sankoh is indicted and convicted, CharlesTaylor will also be, since the war crimes tribunal in Sierra Leone is also about crimes against humanity in Liberia. (The Perspective)
Leone War Crimes Tribunal Inches Closer (January 7, 2002)
Following the approval of a war crime tribunal for Sierra Leone, UN legal experts must now decide, in cooperation with Sierra Leonean government, on who to try. Rebel leader Foday Sankoh will most likely be prosecuted but many rebels have already been freed from jail. (BBC)
UN Approves War Crimes Court for Sierra Leone (January 3, 2002)
After years of struggling to obtain sufficient funding, a special war crimes court for Sierra Leone will be established. The tribunal will judge the atrocities committed during one of the most brutal wars in Africa. (Reuters)
2001
$500,000 to Go to Sierra Leone Court (November 22, 2001)
In response to a call made by the UN, Japan will give funds to set up a special international court for Sierra Leone to try those suspected of crimes against humanity and war crimes. (Japan Times)
UN Sends Sierra Leone Proposal (November 8, 2001)
The UN has sent a draft agreement on the establishment of a war crimes court to the government of Sierra Leone. But planning for the new war crimes tribunal is still hampered by lack of funds. (Associated Press)
UN Ready to Set up Sierra Leone War Crimes Court (July 17, 2001)
The United Nations is prepared to start setting up a Sierra Leone war crimes tribunal after donor nations pledged nearly enough money for its first year of operations, even though contributions for the second and third years have fallen short.. (Reuters)
U.S. Money To UN For War Crimes Tribunal (July 11, 2001)
The US will give $5 million towards the establishment of a UN war crimes tribunal in Sierra Leone, and has pledged another $10 million pening congressional approval. (allAfrica)
Trial on Hold for Imprisoned Sierra Leone Rebel (July 9, 2001)
Plans to prosecute Foday Sankoh, leader of the Revolutionary United Front in Sierra Leone, for war crimes are being stalled by a lack of funding to establish an international tribunal in Sierra Leone. (allAfrica)
The International Community's Resolve to End Impunity Must Be Strengthened (April 24, 2001)
The proposed financing system for the Special Court for Sierra Leone could jeopardize its establishment. Amnesty International criticizes the fact that the Court is funded by voluntary contributions instead of from the UN regular budget.
Sierra Leone Fears Support for War Crimes Court Wanes (April 17, 2001)
The Sierra Leone government worries about the establishment of a Special Court not only because of lack of financial resources, but also its mandate. African leaders may be reluctant to extend the jurisdiction beyond Sierra Leonean borders. (New York Times)
2000
Recommendations on the Draft Statute of the Special Court (November 14, 2000)
Welcoming the Security Council decision in Resolution 1315 to establish a Special Court for Sierra Leone, Amnesty International expressed its main concerns about the draft and made recommendations to the Security Council.
Report of the Secretary-General on the Establishment of a Special Court for Sierra Leone (October 4, 2000)
Security Council Says Sierra Leone War Crimes Court Should Target Top Leaders Only (December 28, 2000)
The Council narrows the court's jurisdiction to "persons who bear the greatest responsibility" for crimes, and recommends that juveniles appear before a separate Truth and Reconciliation Commission. (UN News)
Recommendations on the draft Statute of the Special Court (November 14, 2000)
Welcoming the Security Council decision in Resolution 1315 to establish a Special Court for Sierra Leone, Amnesty International expressed its main concerns about the draft and made recommendations to the Security Council.
Sierra Leone: Justice and the Special Court (November 1, 2000)
Jurisdictional limitiation to be placed on the Sierra Leone Special Court has caused a reaction from Human Rights Watch, that says if the court "is not given jurisdiction over crimes committed during the entire war, justice cannot be served for the people of Sierra Leone."
UN Says Sierra Leone Warcrimes Court Should Be Able to Try Children (October 5, 2000)
Annan's report recommended trying children for crimes, although he said that the Council faced a "terrible dilemma" in deciding whether or not to allow the prosecution of children who had themselves been "abducted, forcibly recruited, sexually abused, reduced to slavery of all kinds." The UN had better tread carefully on this one. (Agence France Presse)
UN Council to Set up War Crimes Court in Sierra Leone (October 5, 2000)
An "independent special court" may be set up to prosecute those guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Sierra Leone. The court was requested by the government in Freetown. (Deutsche Presse-Agentur)
UN to Establish a War Crimes Panel to Hear Sierra Leone's Atrocity's Cases (August 15, 2000)
New York Times article about the decision of the Security Council to set up a war crimes tribunal for Sierra Leone. Questions inevitably arise as to such court's credibility and objectivity. (New York Times)
US Urges War Crimes Court for Sierra Leone (July 28, 2000)
In a draft resolution offered by Ambassador Richard C. Holbrooke, the US asked the Security Council to establish a special court to try Sierra Leonean rebel leader Foday Sankoh and others accused of atrocities. (Washington Post)
1999
Sierra Leone: Getting Away with Murder, Mutilation, and Rape (June 1999)
Human Right Watch has issued a report on the atrocities committed by rebels in Sierra Leone since they seized control of Freetown in January 1999.
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