Communicating Justice

Young militia fighters, Liberia. 
May 1995. Photo: © BBC Picture Archives.

October 27, 2008
A young Sierra Leonean woman captured by rebels on January 6, 1999 in Freetown has testified to being raped, forced to eat human flesh, injected with cocaine, and made to commit unlawful killings. Miss Akiatu Tholley who started her testimony last Thursday told the Judges she escaped to safety with an unwanted pregnancy. She was identified as the captive of Colonel James of the Former Liberian Rebel Group (ULIMO) who later joined the Special Task Force of Sierra Leone.
Click here to listen to Joseph Cheeseman's report (October 27, 2008)

October 28, 2008
As the prosecution of the Special Court for Sierra Leone gradually draws to the conclusion of its side of Charles Taylor’s trial, witnesses brought to The Hague continue to tell horrifying tales of their war experiences. Mr Abrahim Fofana, a 60-year-old former businessman, now testifying against Charles Taylor said both of his hands were amputated, and all of his children killed.
Click here to listen to Joseph Cheeseman' report (October 28, 2008)

October 29, 2008
Another dramatic event regarding the inaccuracy of evidence took place today between Charles Taylor’s Defence Team and Mr. Gibril Sesay, a witness who started his testimony on Tuesday. A video recording of an interview held with Mr. Sesay after his amputation in 1998 revealed some inconsistencies with his current testimony in court.
Click here to listen to Joseph Cheeseman's report (October 29, 2008)

October 31, 2008
A victim of the Sierra Leonean civil war who lost both ears and his right hand took the stand against Former Liberian President Charles Taylor. Mr. Sheikubah Kuyateh, the prosecution's 80th witness, said he was among other victims whose bodies were mutilated.
Click here to listen to Joseph Cheeseman's report (October 31, 2008)