Tomorrow – Monday, June 4 – marks the start of one of the most important criminal trials ever held. The prosecution will make its opening statement in the trial of Charles Taylor on 11 counts of war crimes, crimes against humanity and serious violations of international humanitarian law. A man accused of sowing terror through broad swathes of West Africa will enter a courtroom in The Hague to face the accusations against him.
Although the trial is expected to last 18 months – not including any appeals – the first day will be critical in shaping the prosecution’s case. The day is also significant because after tomorrow there is a three-week break, with the trial resuming on June 25. (Please see our “Calendar” page for more details on the trial’s schedule.)
The proceedings commence at 10:30 tomorrow morning. We’ll file a report during the day and another at the day’s conclusion.
Finally the long awaited trial has commenced. A chance to here the true story as to how, when, where and all those who supported these killings in both Liberia and Sierra Leone. I am having serious problem with those who physically commiited these crimes are all roaming the streets of both Monrovia and Freetown with freedom. These criminals must all be brought to justice.
Thanks
Hope this trial brings some closure to the region, especially to my beloved Liberia. Look forward to the coverage of this case; hope through this trial Taylor and some of his hooligans are made to remedy some of the problems they caused. We eagerly await the guilty verdict!
Hi!
First of all, I want to congratulate for this blog. I think Charles Taylor’s trial is very importante, the first international trial against an african leader or governor. I would like to se more information in the news but it seems that in occidental countries it’s not so important.
Greetings!
Oops—I am glad that by now Mr. Taylor is fully aware that justice will be served to the letters for those innocent Liberians, Sierra Leoneans and other nationals he massacre during his senseless wars in the West African sub-regions. It is my belief that from Mr. Taylor’s case, others will learn that impunity for wrong doing can not be accepted in civil society. Praise God that justice delayed is never justice denied.
Samuka Kiazolu, Jr.
Greetings and Salutations to you for the effort of providing this forum about former President Taylor and his trial,
I have had been a minister to Mr. Taylor when he was in hiding thanks to the President of Nigeria to prevent his capture and trial for war crimes against humanity. While sharing the word with Mr. Taylor to help give him gain spiritual strength to do the right thing for his country of Liberia. I also warned him about giving me threats on my life because I would not be involved in his plan to leave Nigeria once he could get millions gathered to use for his own family use which is wrong no matter what. I had told him that as God’s worker the Holy Spirit would see to it that Mr. Taylor would be caught for the crimes against many people in Nigeria and others countries. Yes, I Praise the Lord for the bringing to trial of Mr. Taylor. One of my sisters in Christ was at my home when Mr. Taylor showed his true nature by telling me I was a dead man for not doing as he said for it was wrong to do. If he wanted to donate to the mission then do it with honor. He tried to hurt me by stealing from me (and the Lord for all I have is given the Lord all I have or will ever have to support the ministry to save souls) while working as minister for God trying to help him to live in the truth.
Note that I had told Mr. Taylor he was going to be caught as the Spirit had told me in prayer. I thanked God when Mr. Taylor was caught trying to leave Nigeria with all the cash money that may have been stole from Liberia’s people. God knows what he has done and the Lord hates a liar most of all so beware Mr. Taylor for the coals of fire placed upon your forehead for attacking innocent peoples of the Lord to do harm to them. Mr. Taylor your days of harming mankind are over so change your ways and asking for forgiveness & help other leaders to fix Liberia from the damage he had done to it. Mr. Taylor my Lord says that you must confess before the Court for the people and promise to work for peace the remainder of your life of earth. You can’t hide from the judgment of the Lord. Amen
I will be praying for the Lord to help reveal the truths and to help all the peoples that have been hurt by Mr. Taylor’s actions.
May God bless Liberia and bless the Court working to prove the Truth about how Mr. Taylor lived as the President. May the Light shine causing the evil shadows to run away and to be free from God fearing and loving people. Amen
Rev. Bruce
Typical Taylor: boycotts the proceedings, introduces delay tactics in an effort to discredit the court! No yelling and crying is gonna save you now, Charles Killer. The case will go on as plan. Remember the old adage from back home: small boy can run back he can’t hide. You can cry a river with your crocodile tears, and nobody will have mercy on you.