Charles Taylor trial weekly summaries (July 27 - 31, 2009)

By Joseph Cheeseman and Adolphus Williams reporting from The Hague

Jul 2009
31

July 27, 2009
Charles Taylor's Defence Team has used the mineral resources and mining map of Liberia to prove that Liberia has huge diamond deposits, and therefore their client had no cause to exploit Sierra Leone’s diamonds. The Former Liberian President said he was sickened by his Former General, Zig Zag Marzah’s allegation that he (Taylor) had dinner with human flesh. Mr. Taylor declared to the court that in 1997 he had direct talks with the Sierra Leone rebels. Joseph Cheeseman reports from The Hague.

 Click here to listen to Joseph Cheeseman’s report (July 27, 2009)

July 28, 2009
The Former Liberian President, Charles Taylor has blamed wars in Africa on arms sales from Western Countries. Mr. Taylor said that Western Countries see conflict in Africa as an opportunity to sell their guns. He also said that the Prosecution Insider Witness, Vamuyan Sheriff, former Assistant Director for Operations of Liberia’s Special Security Service, was an enemy soldier recruited from the Liberian rebel group, ULIMO-K. Mr. Sheriff testified against Mr. Taylor last year. Adolphus Williams reports.

  Click here to listen to Adolphus Williams’ report (July 28, 2009)

July 29, 2009
The Accused Former Leader, Charles Taylor said he was opposed to the use of military force by ECOWAS against the Junta that overthrew Tejan Kabbah in 1997. Mr. Taylor also said he was not in favour of the military takeover by the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council, the AFRC in Sierra Leone. The Former Liberian President has once again told the court that he is not a Terrorist, but he did say he subscribes to Libyan President, Muhammad Kaddafi’s principle of helping suppressed people to liberate themselves. Joseph Cheeseman reports.

  Click here to listen to Joseph Cheeseman’s report (July 29, 2009)

July 30, 2009
A United Nations report read in court on Thursday stated that Liberian casualties found among dead combatants in 1998 clearly pointed to Liberia’s involvement in the Sierra Leone war.But Mr. Taylor shifted the blame to Sierra Leone Government Officials and ECOMOG. The Former Liberian Leader swore today that he did not meet RUF Leader, Sam Bockarie in Gbarnga. Joseph Cheeseman reports.

  Click here to listen to Joseph Cheeseman’s report (July 30, 2009)

July 31, 2009
The court does not sit on Fridays.