Communicating Justice

by It appears the Amputees and War Wounded Sierra Leoneans are finding it difficult to forgive Former Liberian President, Charles Taylor for his alleged involvement in the civil war in that neighbouring country. The visiting Chairman of the Amputee and War Wounded Association of Sierra Leone watching Taylor’s trial in The Hague says his members back home are angry with Mr. Taylor for their disabilities. BBC World Service Trust, Joseph Cheeseman asked Mr. Alhaji Lamini Jarka what’s his mission to The Hague?

November 25, 2008
The Special Court for Sierra Leone today took one step backward to complete an unfinished business with the Prosecution Liberian Insider Witness who gave his testimonies in chief on November 5th and 6^th. The Liberian Insider Witness left the stand after his direct examination without being cross-examined.  Today the Defence Team of Mr. Taylor tries to impeach the credibility of the witness on his assignment as a security and the execution of his Former Boss, Oliver Varney. Mariama Khai Fornah reports.

 Click here to listen to Mariama K. Fornah’s report (November 25, 2008)

 November 26, 2008
The first five people convicted by the Special Court for Sierra Leone in Freetown were given sentences ranging from 15 to 50 years. But is there a definite sentencing period for convicts who committed war crimes and crimes against humanity?  If Mr. Charles Taylor is found guilty how many years could he spend in prison? Does the Special Court have enough money to end Charles Taylor’s trial? Mr. Herman Von Hebel is the Registrar of the Special for Sierra Leone.  Mr. Von Hebel is based in Freetown, but he’s visiting The Hague this week. BBC World Service Trust Journalist, Joseph Cheeseman caught up with Mr. Von Hebel today in The Hague and first asked him if there was an Appeal Hearing from Charles Taylor’s trial, where would it be held?

 November 27, 2008
Ensuring good health, security protection, good feeding and family visitation of detainees and convicts of the Special Court for Sierra Leone is the primary responsibility of the Registrar of the court. But are the detention facilities of the Special Court up to international standard? What are some incentives enjoyed by the Special Court detainees that are not found in some national detention facilities?  If a detainee or convict wanted additional education can he or she get it from the Special Court? Mr. Herman Von Hebel is the Registrar of the Special Court of Sierra Leone. BBC World Service Trust Journalist, Joseph Cheeseman asked Mr. Von Hebel how would he describe the welfare of the court’s detainees?

November 28, 2008
One German Journalist who observed the trial of Former Liberian President Charles Taylor said “this man is strong; I am surprised at his composure and his resilience”The Catholic Justice and Peace Commission Executive Director, Cllr. Augustine Toe, having watched Taylor’s trial at The Hague said he thought the Former Liberian President had broken down in spirit. Cllr. Toe said he was surprised at Taylor’s calmness in court. These two comments about Charles Taylor’s strong spirit led BBC World Service Trust Journalist, Joseph Cheeseman to research the Former President background and the trouble that had tormented his past and present life in this profile.