Communicating Justice

October 6, 2008

A Former Child Soldier has testified to the torture, enslavement and murder of civilians by Sierra Leonean rebels allegedly supported by Indicted Former Liberian President Charles Taylor. Captured by rebels at age 12, Witness identified those who captured him as Liberian English-Speaking men commanded by one Major Wallace formerly of Alhaji Kromah’s ULIMO. The 51^st prosecution witness described to the court the first cruel treatment of a civilian he saw. The witness is testifying in the Kono Language so he’s being interpreted.

 Click here to listen to Mariama K. Fornah’s report (October 6 2008)

October 7, 2008

Conscripting or enlisting children under the age of 15 years into armed forces or groups, or using them to participate actively in hostilities is a violation of International Humanitarian Law. Former Liberian President, Charles Taylor is on trial for allegedly aiding Sierra Leonean Rebels to recruit children less than 15 years in to the rebel forces. Well, a Former Child Soldier testifying against Mr. Taylor said he was trained and given a gun, but Defence Lawyer, Courtney Griffiths tries to impeach the credibility of the young witness’ testimonies.

 Click here to listen to Mariama K. Fornah’s report (October 7, 2008)

October 8, 2008

The Special for Sierra Leone sitting in The Hague would be observing its first Mid Session break. As the BBC World Service Trust Mariama Khai Fornah reports, the court should have gone into its Mid Session break on Thursdays but was forced to observe the break from Wednesday.

 Click here to listen to Mariama K. Fornah’ report (October 8, 2008)

October 9, 2008

On the first day of the resumption of the trial of the former Liberian President Charles Taylor, after the court’s Mid Summer break in The Hague, Mr Taylor boycotted the proceeding that day. The reason; Mr. Taylor was not in favour of the alleged two new Dutch security measures placed on him which he claimed were embarrassing.