Charles Taylor this week reiterated a familiar position that he has maintained right through his testimony as a witness in his own defense–that he was a peace mediator and that he did not help Sierra Leonean rebel commanders to plan a military take-over of Sierra Leone. The former Liberia president also told Special Court for [...]
As the cross-examination of former Liberian president Charles Taylor continued into a second week, Prosecutors this week told Special Court for Sierra Leone that the former Liberian president was “not honest” with the United Nations Panel of Experts set up to investigate his alleged dealings with Sierra Leonean rebels. Mr. Taylor also this week admitted to prosecutors that [...]
November
14
2009
As Taylor’s Defense Objects To The Introduction Of “New Evidence”, Prosecutors Seek More Time To “Rearrange Strategies” For Taylor’s Cross-Examination
The much-anticipated cross-examination of Charles Taylor started this week with a stumble, as Special Court for Sierra Leone judges did not allow prosecutors to use a well-known public document — Sierra Leone’s peace agreement — as a basis for questioning the former Liberian president, because it had not been admitted as evidence in the trial [...]
October
5
2009
Taylor Says He Did Not Order Rebel Attack On Freetown; Calls Prosecution Allegations Against Him “Racist”
Charles Taylor this week told Special Court for Sierra Leone judges that he did not order Sierra Leonean rebel forces to attack the country’s capital Freetown and to free the country’s rebel leader from jail in 1999. Mr. Taylor also called prosecution allegations that he was involved in ritual sacrifice and cannibalism “racist.” Mr. Taylor [...]
September
28
2009
Taylor Did Not Know of Sierra Leone Attack Plans, Nor Order A Rebel Attack On Guinea, He Says
Charles Taylor did not have any prior knowledge of rebel plans to invade Sierra Leone in 1991, and contrary to prosecution allegations against him, he did not order Sierra Leonean rebel forces to attack Guinea in 2000, he told Special Court for Sierra Leone judges last week. “I did not know of any prior plans for the invasion [...]
September
18
2009
Taylor Did Not Command RUF To Release UN Hostages Nor Give RUF Weapons From His House
Charles Taylor this week told Special Court for Sierra Leone judges that that he did not command Sierra Leone rebel commander Issa Sesay to release United Nations hostages, but rather only conveyed to him the message of the international community that the peace keepers had to be released unconditionally. Mr. Taylor also denied allegations that [...]
