Communicating Justice

February 1, 2010
Former Liberian President, Charles Taylor has denied reports of the Committee for the Protection of Journalists (CPJ) that his government was repressive of press freedom.  A report of the CPJ read in court by the Prosecution accused Mr. Taylor of harassment and imprisonment of several Journalists. The Prosecution also alleged that Mr. Taylor closed down several media institutions during his presidency. Joseph Cheeseman reports from The Hague.

Click here to listen to Joseph Cheeseman’s report (February 1, 2010)

February 2, 2010
The Prosecution of the Special Court said Mr. Charles Taylor had a hidden motive for keeping Former Sierra Leone Rebel Leader, Sam Bockarie and hundreds of his fighters in Monrovia. But Mr. Taylor said Bockarie was not a threat to the Security of Sierra Leone. The Prosecution in its cross-examination of the former Liberian leader Tuesday also disclosed that Mr. Taylor as President of Liberia spent millions of dollars on International Public Relations firms to clean up the bad image of his Government. Mr. Taylor admitted and said the millions spent was inadequate. Amara Bangura, reports from The Hague.

Click here to listen to Amara Bangura’s report (February 2, 2010)

February 4, 2010
The Prosecution of the Special Court on Thursday said Mr. Charles Taylor executed several Liberian Politicians who were perceived as threat to his quest for political power. The Prosecution also alleged that Mr. Taylor as leader of the Rebel National Patriotic Front, NPFL, killed a number of his rebel commanders. The Prosecution further alleged that Human Rights Advocates went into hiding to escape Mr. Taylor’s brutal Police Forces. Amara Bangura reports from The Hague.

Click here to listen to Amara Bangura’s report (February 4, 2010)

February 5, 2010
The Prosecution of the Special Court for Sierra Leone has concluded its nearly two month cross-examination of accused Former Liberian President, Charles Taylor. Mr. Taylor again said he’s not guilty of all the charges against him. The Prosecution also on Friday expressed doubt over Mr. Charles Taylor’s account for surrendering the Liberian presidency in 2003. Mr. Taylor said he left for the sake of peace, but the Prosecutors told the court Mr. Taylor’s account is not true. Joseph Cheeseman reports from The Hague.

Click here to listen to Joseph Cheeseman's report (February 5, 2010)