The Trial of Charles Taylor

according to Nii Darku, all Liberians should be put on trial.When Taylor declared his war, i can tell you that he had 95% support. So lets put the whole country on trail.

THE TAYLOR TRIAL BEGINS IN SPECTACULAR FASHION AS DRAMA BEGINS TO UNFOLD: IS THERE ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO WARRANT THE CONVICTION OF A FORMER LIBERIAN PRESIDENT FOR WAR CRIMES IN ANOTHER COUNTRY?
BY JEREMIAH J. KRINGAR HARRIS

June 4, 2007, marked the beginning of the trial of Charles Taylor, an event fraught with many possibilities and potentialities. For the first time in the short history of emerging Africa, a Former President must stand trial for crimes against humanity, not in the land over which he presided, but in a neighboring country. While this promises to add much drama, hoopla and media blitz to the trial, the concatenation of events preceding this extraordinarily historical saga, makes it extremely difficult to predict which pathway the trial might traverse as it meanders towards a conclusion. The drama, given the strange twist of events at the opening session, began with Taylor’s dismissal of his Defense Attorney. If his wishes are granted, Taylor will defend himself.

Charles Taylor was indicted for War Crimes in neighboring Sierra Leone while still President of Liberia. This, in itself, breeds defiance within the historical perspective of contemporary Africa, because no sitting President in this human rights flawed continent has ever been indicted for a crime in his/her own country, needless to say in another country, despite the atrocities. Liberia, at this juncture, has made no attempt to charge Taylor for the commission of any crimes, although conventional wisdom dictates otherwise. The heart of the matter is that after 14 years of internecine squabbles, which has rendered the organizational structure of Liberian Statehood utterly discombobulated, and plunged our beloved patrimony into the realm of Failed States, Liberians believe that reconciliation must be the bedrock upon which their country is rebuilt. As such, and as a fitting epitaph to the 250,000 souls who lost their lives in that great event of infamy in our existence as a people, most Liberians have concluded that the atrocities committed by the Warlords must be relegated to the doldrums of history as the nation makes a fresh start and reconfigures itself. I fully concur with this school of thought, because I am cognizant that pools of support exist in Liberia for these Errant Agents of violence and that the slightest miscalculation could exacerbate the problems that our nation must surmount as it seeks to regain its former esteem in the comity of nations.

Meanwhile, as the trial of Charles Taylor resumes on June 24, several nagging questions seem to coerce themselves to the forefront of most conversations and discussions among Liberians concerned for stability in the region. Can Taylor, they ask, receive a fair trial? Are those witnesses necessary for the testimonies that would corroborate the evidence gathered against him willing to come forth? Given the overzealousness with which the Sierra Leoneon authorities have plunged into the trial, could the rationale of their Prosecutors be irretrievably clouded and inevitably compromised? If this transpires, can justice be rendered in this case? Why is it, they continue, were there hardly any amputees in our Civil War as compared to the huge number of amputees in Sierra Leone? Did the Sierra Leone Warlords decapitate their own people and now the blame is being placed elsewhere deliberately?

Our nation has many hurdles to surmount as it ekes its way towards an era of stability, a better life for our people and a secured future for our children. As such, we cannot afford the luxury of another destabilizing conflict if our newly reconstituted democracy must rest on a solid cradle. One major conflict is enough for any nation, no matter how great. Liberians must resist the urge to embrace ideas that would melt the glue of solidarity which binds our people or risk the backpedaling of our nation into another era of chaos. We honor those who have paid with their lives in this senseless struggle, if we prioritize the unity of our nation.

I am very happy that this trial is taking place and Taylor is being held accountable for the crimes he masterminded in Sierra Leone. On a personal note, I find myself being involved on an emotional level as well. Even though I am an American, my wife is a Liberian, and I hold Charles Taylor personally responsible for ordering the murder of my father-in-law, Col. Thomas Doeway Sr. on Sept. 21, 1998 during the confrontation with Roosevelt Johnson.
I hope that some day Taylor will also be put on trial for the multitude of crimes he orchestrated in Liberia as well. However, other warlords who also used child soldiers to fight their way into power also stand out. One glaring and sickening example is Prince Yormie Johnson. This man is a psychopathic killer, who has committed numberous murders and is currently serving as a senator for Nimba County. He is famous for torturing the late President Doe who later died in his custody (it was intentionally filmed). Also, he murdered the popular singer Tecumsey Roberts for no apparent reason. Why is a mass murderer like Prince Johnson not behind bars? (Of course using child soldiers isn’t unique to Africa- Adolf Hitler also used child soldiers towards the end of WW2 when his regular troops were getting decimated).
Back to the Taylor trial, I do think it would have been better to try Taylor in Freetown, where the West African Press Corps would have better access, as well as the victims of the RUF, the sadistic militia that Taylor trained and funded. I realize that there were security issues involved, but the jail in Freetown was specifically upgraded to hold Taylor, so it seems a huge waste of money that it is not being used for that purpose.
I sympathize with those who state that this huge amount of money (used for the Taylor trial) could be put to better use housing Sierra Leoneans displaced by the war, or building farm to market roads, schools, etc. They have a point, however, if one wants to end the “culture of impunity” one must start from the top. I don’t believe in the death penalty, however life imprisonment seems like too light of a punishment for all the death and destruction Taylor has instigated. On the positive side, I am hoping that this trial will bring to light some of the operational mechanics of the Sierra Leone war, and answers to some of the victims families.
In terms of Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf’s own culpability, she apologized publicly at least twice while on the campaign trail for the “mistakes” she made when she was involved with the ACDL. Perhaps these apologies were not publicized as widely as they should have been. Apparently Sirleaf and Sawyer didn’t realize what kind of a rouge Taylor was at heart. Perhaps they were so focused on ousting Doe that nothing else mattered. But again, one cannot blame Sirleaf directly for the death and destruction in Sierra Leone since that was several years after her break with Taylor. Instead, I commend her for signing the warrant for his arrest and extradition from Nigeria so that this trial could take place.
Was Taylor also a CIA agent- or double agent- sent to spy on Qaddafi in Libya while getting arms training? Perhaps. Was his “jailbreak” from Massachusetts also arranged by the CIA? Who knows. Will this information come out during the trial? Probably not. At any rate, let the testimony begin, whether or not Taylor decides he wants to show up in the courtroom.
Those who care about West Africa want some answers.

Robert y Ban won from Monrovia,Liberia i am very happy of the trial of Mr. Taylor but my concern has to with Mr. Taylor been giving a free & fair trial because what so ever verdict comes out of the court the world at large is watching justice.

What about Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe ?

http://www.zimbabwesituation.com

In Liberia we say: “if you pull rope, the rope will pull bush.”
I believe that Taylor should have his day in court; I mean a free and fair trial. We don’t expect the UN or ‘People of Good Will’ to bring themselves down to his so-called level.
I thought in the eyes of the law, the accused is innocent until proven guilty….?
Now, back to my openning statement. It takes more than one man/person to start a civil uprising:
1. Liberia never assembled nor manufactured arms and or ammunition.
2. Liberia has no industrial diamond processing plant.
3. Taylor was never seen in Seirra Leone branishing an AK-47 during their uprising, moreover to say he was caught on tape giving orders or murdering another humanbeing.

These are just a few points his defense team could put on the table. Those who came up with this whole Taylor indictment episode, should rethink their involvement, because it could come back to haunt them.
If Prince Y. Johnson can become a Senator in Liberia….. I think this is a mockery of justice.
I sympathised with the people of Seirra Leone, but it was Seirra Leoneans killing each other like Liberians killed each other.
I think it will be fair to indict and prosecute all those who benefitted from the war in Seirra Leone…. I’ll be back with part-2. Stay tuned.

Thanks for the good job.

If you can have someone to please answer my concern.

What part DOES the ACCORD that was signed ending the war play in this case knowing that some of the CHARGES occured during the war. As I read the ACCORD, it granted FREE PASSAGE to ALL that were involved.

Noko4

Richard,
I am NOT talking about Liberia’s PEACE ACCORDS. There was one (LOME ACCORD) signed in July ’99 that ended the war in Sierra Leone….what part(s) does/do it play in this case????

Take a look before you start off on the WRONG FOOT.

PEACE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE AND
THE REVOLUTIONARY UNITED FRONT OF SIERRA LEONE
————————————————————————-

THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE and
THE REVOLUTIONARY UNITED FRONT OF SIERRA LEONE (RUF/SL)

Having met in Lome, Togo, from the 25 May 1999, to 7 July 1999 under the auspices of the Current Chairman of ECOWAS, President Gnassingbe Eyadema;

Recalling earlier initiatives undertaken by the countries of the sub-region and the International Community, aimed at bringing about a negotiated settlement of the conflict in Sierra Leone, and culminating in the Abidjan Peace Agreement of 30 November, 1996 and the ECOWAS Peace Plan of 23 October, 1997;

ARTICLE IX

PARDON AND AMNESTY

1. In order to bring lasting peace to Sierra Leone, the Government of Sierra Leone shall take appropriate legal steps to grant Corporal Foday Sankoh absolute and free pardon.

2. After the signing of the present Agreement, the Government of Sierra Leone shall also grant absolute and free pardon and reprieve to all combatants and collaborators in respect of anything done by them in pursuit of their objectives, up to the time of the signing of the present Agreement.

3. To consolidate the peace and promote the cause of national reconciliation, the Government of Sierra Leone shall ensure that no official or judicial action is taken against any member of the RUF/SL, ex-AFRC, ex-SLA or CDF in respect of anything done by them in pursuit of their objectives as members of those organisations, since March 1991, up to the time of the signing of the present Agreement. In addition, legislative and other measures necessary to guarantee immunity to former combatants, exiles and other persons, currently outside the country for reasons related to the armed conflict shall be adopted ensuring the full exercise of their civil and political rights, with a view to their reintegration within a framework of full legality.

Noko4

Eric,
Are we splitting hair??? Isn’t this court part of Sierra Leone??? And where in this world does INT’L LAW overrides a NATION LAW???

On the IMMUNITY line, Mr. Taylor was stating been a Head of State, he couldn’t come to court….which made SENSE then. He is NO LONGER.

Noko4

Eric,
I am doing me BEST to understand, but if AN AGREEMENT was signed by a GOV’T and anyone…does that mean the AGREEMENT ends just because?? Again, this Special Court is part Sierra Leone and part Int’l which tells me whatever ACCORD signed by Sierra Leone should be HONOR plus this very int’l community was a WITNESS plus SIGNATORS to the ACCORD. What good was the ACCORD then??

I am NOT talking about RUF but Mr. Taylor and his relationship in the theater. Let’s again look at the PARDON CLAUSE of the Lome Accord…..mainly section 2

ARTICLE IX

PARDON AND AMNESTY

1. In order to bring lasting peace to Sierra Leone, the Government of Sierra Leone shall take appropriate legal steps to grant Corporal Foday Sankoh absolute and free pardon.

2. After the signing of the present Agreement, the Government of Sierra Leone shall also grant absolute and free pardon and reprieve to all combatants and collaborators in respect of anything done by them in pursuit of their objectives, up to the time of the signing of the present Agreement.

3. To consolidate the peace and promote the cause of national reconciliation, the Government of Sierra Leone shall ensure that no official or judicial action is taken against any member of the RUF/SL, ex-AFRC, ex-SLA or CDF in respect of anything done by them in pursuit of their objectives as members of those organisations, since March 1991, up to the time of the signing of the present Agreement. In addition, legislative and other measures necessary to guarantee immunity to former combatants, exiles and other persons, currently outside the country for reasons related to the armed conflict shall be adopted ensuring the full exercise of their civil and political rights, with a view to their reintegration within a framework of full legality.

We both know Mr. Taylor NEVER EVER stepped a toe in Sierra Leone so then, WHY is he been charged for CRIMES covered under the ACCORD?? As a matter of fact, when Sankoh and RUF kidmapped those UN personels, Mr. Taylor was ASKED to HELP for which he did and this was after the signing of the ACCORD.
Is the court saying because RUF violated the AGREEMENT means Mr. Taylor did also???

As for the Int’l Court settling a BORDER ISSUE…I say FINE FINE….but if both parties didn’t AGREED, will it be ACCEPTED??? NO!!!

All the Security Council Nations pick and choose which INT’L LAWS they want to OBEY. Will the US ever send her citizen to an int’l tribunal??? NO!!! WHY not??? Her CONSTITUTION!!! Is the US violating the Geneva Human Rights Accord???

In my view, the reason why some citizens of the world face this int’l tribunal is because their gov’t FEAR loosing AIDS from western nations.

Noko4

I laughed when I read the note written by Rachel Hughes Taylor to this forum. I am not surprise to hear something like this from someone who may claim to be a family member of Charles Taylor. It could probably be that destroying other people’s lives is a habit that they may wish to conduct. But to the greater part of reality, this person could also be making more trouble for Mr. Taylor, since they already know that he is in one that has already reached his neck. Or, is she confirming that they realy took part in the Sierra Leone war? If she was joking, I suggest that she withdraw her statement before Charles goes to court finally in 2008, or this statement could be used in court against Mr. Taylor as an evidence from one of his family members.

Below, is a quatation of what Ms. Taylor wrote on June 25, 2007 at 9:21 P.M.

“i’m happy to hear that taylor is on trial for what he’s committed.but,this is not the end.do you know that guinea,ivory coast are involved in the sierraleone and liberan crisis.why not indict lansana conte or laurent gbagbo?let me tell you something,taylor have family,we are learning.if and only if this trial is fair i rest my peace.but if not,sierra leone must prepare for another war.this time not charles taylor but freetown against monrovia.liberian must avenge their president.despite all the wicked stuff he did.peace!”

This person could either be faking or confused about the reality of events in real world as compared to what they used to be when Mr. Taylor was in command. Just as they (Taylors) are watching, so are Liberians listening, watching and kinly observing for anyone who may want to rerturn the country into a state of destruction as Rachel is promising.

We will not sit by to see anyone misbehave this time arround in the name of changing policies that will affect this country. They will be stopped at the borders.

sfk

I think some of you people should really be on another planet. What is wrong with us africans? Don’t you see what these imperialist are trying to do to us? This trial is much bigger than Charles taylor. It is about the former colonial powers and America trying to enslave us once more. Who benefits most from diamonds and arms? not charles taylor of the people of Sierra Leone or Liberia. It is the Western Countries. They have benefitted for decades. Do you people think that even if Taylor received diamonds between 1991 and 2000, that is what empoverished the region? What happened to the diamonds and other resources that was scoundered by the socalled investors in previous years and even in the last five years? Who is benefitting from it?

Listen people. Taylor is accused of bearing the greatest responsibility for the atrocities in Sierra Leone; doesn’t that raise questions in your minds? or are you so bitter with hatred that again you are doing the typical ignorant african thing and not thinking clearing. How can Taylor be more responsible than Foday Sankoh and the other Sierra Leonean Commanders who perpetrated the acts themselves? If Taylor wanted to chop off hand he controlled Liberia long enough to have chopped off the hands of most of the population of Liberia.

Why are you being lead to hate your leaders once more by the west? They are only trying to dominate and disgrace us as africans. It is a repeat of the slavery ritual of lynching the most vocal and rebelious slave so as to set an example to the rest of the slave not to disobey the slave masters. Taylor did not submit to the will of the Western slave masters and is being lynched for it as an example to all others to fall in line. We better wake up before it is too late or we will remain slaves to these people.

If taylor is so bad how come he was and is still love by the Liberian people except for those who wanted power for themselves. I challenge the socall champions of international justice to let the caes be based on the merit of the law and true justice and remove the political cohersion that is being used at present. If he is guilty let him face the full force of the law but do not subvert justice by using intimidation of the defence witnesses and attempted kidnapping etc. You indicted the man so you should have had your evidence. Why are you still scampering around for evidence up til now. Either provide fair evidence or leave the man because most of you are guilty of worse atrocities in other countruies.

Is international criminal courts only for third world country leaders? why aren’t citizens from first world countries ever taken to these kangaroo courts? Some of us africans are wise to your tricks. We know that the rules of the game of suppression and control have take on a new heading “Crimes Against Humanity”. International law no longer exists for the small country only those who are allies or of strategic importance to the Powers that be.

I know you all will not publish this as this speaks the truth and hurts your sensibilities. Put me to shame by publishing my letter as freedom of speech is one of your so called facets of international justice.

Thanks for the space.

Kumbah Kamara

I would like to know what do you guys think about the role Romeo Horton played in all this matter…

Marie,
To start, how was this list CREATED??? What is/are the RULE(s) for getting on it and getting off it????.

Out of the blue moon, Ms. Grace Minor is off….I asked HOW???

Noko4

I think justice and peace go hand in hand. Mr. Taylor should be held accountable for his actions and for his lack of acting when he was aware of certain things and had the power to stop. What amount of money does one equate a life to ? A limb ? One someone loses a arm or leg that person’s life is changed permanently For Life. They can’t work or go to school the same. We get so caught up talking about Mr.Taylor , justice is about retribution for the Victims , not a over concern for the criminal. Mr. Taylor has to get a grasp of the Gravity of what he did or facilitated . He change peoples life Forever in a negative way . That warrants some punitive action. My prayers go out to the victims I hope this trial brings them some closure and healing. Bryan Boley

Bryan,
I put the 2 plus 2 and MULTIPLIED them as to Ms. Minor. But that still DOES NOT answer my question…HOW WAS THIS LIST FORMATED??? How did she get off?? The WHY is MAYBE will be testifying again Mr. Taylor but were there any HEARINGS as to WHY she was put off the LIST??? No!!! Is this HOW the world body(UN) performs???? Pick and choose???

As to Mr. Taylor paying for his deeds, I stand along side with you but that does not mean we throw our BRAINS because it’s Mr. Taylor.

Noko4

With all this episode in Sierra Leone the international community has been motionless to see inocent poor,defenseless people suffering for more than a decade that a shame.Yes every government should be able to defend her people and land but,not the case in Sierra Leone.I beleive in the future there will be clouse in the UN constitution where the defenseless civillian will be protected by a powerful un force and evacuated to safe zone.The world leaders shuold consider this.

Marie,
I believe Ms. Minor and few others will be testifying against Mr. Taylor just for them to travel. Again, how was this list compiled and how does one gets off without any HEARINGS???

Plus, why are some still on it without any CHARGES??? Liberia has NOT brought any CHARGES on them. Infact, the UN tried to SMOKE Liberia into passing a LAW violating her Constitution just to prosecute a handful of her citizens, and the Ellen’s gov’t went along knowing very well what the Constitution states….A DISGRACE!!! I mean this is the UN that preaches RIGHTS but I guess RIGHTS is only for those she says have RIGHTS.

Noko4

Informed and thoughtful Salone people know that the seeds of our Holocaust were sown in two districts; viz,Tonkolili and Kailahun (heartlands of the RUF). As some of us are aware, it was the unleashing of APC thugs and the state paramilitary ISU, beginning in the 1970s, on the indigenees of these two districts, culmimating in the the arrest, detention brutalisation, and in some cases execution of promimnent voices in these ares, which sparked an insurrection that degenerated into murder, rape and mutilation of the old and young,in the late 1990s. At the time, I expressed grave reservations about the role of Salone in Ecomog, when the Liberian troubles began, and I was proven right. At the end of the day, Ghankay Talor was incidental to our ‘war’. It never had to happen. Therefore, for any informed Saloneman to approve or participate in the international community lynch court fronted by Negroes is to dishonour Bai Bureh and Nyagua. Lonta.

Noko4,

You areon the ball. At least you are objective and deal with the facts and the real crux of the matter. We really need to ask ourselves “Where is true justice?” when the rules of proceedure of the court can be changed in such a way as to suit one situation and not another.

Since when has “hearsay” been considered as evidence in a court of law unless there is a serious intent to usurp the course of justice.

It is about time concientized Africans speak out against this one sided system of the socalled international community that make and break rules as it suits them. Why do we continue to allow our fates to be determined by them and blindly let them manipulate us into thinking they are doing us a favour at that.

Some of us like you are wiser than they think. There is a need for a new breed of African who will not only listen to their socalled official account of events, because we all know how reliable that can be.

this court ought to be ashamed of itself for even continuing with this charade. The Judge should not allow herself to be used by these people. She has a name to preserve. She is an African Lady.I hope she will see fit to do justice and not be manipulated by those who pay her wages.

Tamba,
Mr. Taylor is on trial for Sierra Leone….NOTHING, hear me out, ZERO about Liberia except trucks loads of ARM to RUF from Liberia and DIAMOND to Liberia.

Noko4

This entire trial is unjust and unfair.

Why is Charles Taylor on trial for the war in Sierra Leone, and not Liberia?? Why aren’t those Sierra Leoneans, who comitted these atrocities, being held responsible?? They are being paid money to sit there and testify as if they themselves are innocent of murder,rape, and every other war crime you can think of?? This is the most disgusting and stupid thing I’ve ever seen, or heard of. What makes it worse is that those who head this so-called court are supposed to be highly educated. Let’s get real people.

I personally could care less if Mr. Taylor lives or dies. If I could, I’ll probably put him out of his misery myself, but I just cannot understand the objectives of this court/trial. We all want justice, and for Mr. Taylor to pay for his crimes, but come on….

This trial is insulting to the Liberian people, and it is a waste of time and money. Where is our justice? Or do sierra Leonean lives have more value that Liberians?

Does the defense have one credible witness that can take the stand and say anything good about Mr.Taylor? No , maybe only family members and girlsfriend that can “oh he gave me money” No credible civil servant or upstandind person can come before that (SCSL) court and say Anything positive for Mr. Taylor that is relavent to what he is being charged with and can mitigate anything for him. Leet us as a people focus on the Victims and try to gain a respect and value for human life regardless of socio-economic class. Bryan Boley 15th Strret Sinkor, Monrovia , Liberia

The bunch of black racists brought back in power by stupid white politicians from USA and Europe…When will they give white people the right to cintizenship and property owning? At least the former rulling indigenous people were not racists…They were gratefull for the white people helping them through missionary and educational work in the past…But these former American slaves , now in power again, came to Africa to enslave other people…The person, you will not let die, will not let you live, in the end…

One that should be invited there (Hague and T..R..C…) is Madam Johnson Serlief…For long time she was working hard to change the political rule of the indigenous people through all kind of means…including the Civil War…The Civil War is a political precise method of getting rid of the Elites…The former slaves did not want to share power with the indigenous people…The former slaves know nothing of the human activities, but to rule…They were doing only that since they arrived to Liberia…They are the first responsable of the making of the Civil war…Now they judge? Who is judging Who? It is well known that they had allies…That the Tolbert wife saw a white hand , under the glove, that came in the fatal day in their bedroom…This is a final design on the cake of the Civil War…The Liberian Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), the Circus of Congoes Americo Liberians that want to cover up like the cat does with its….@@@

Taylor was a ” mean ” type of activity…To an end… He did what he had to do, the dirty job : to get rid of the Elites. to bring the indigenous people under “control” somehow…to lower the population of the indigenous people, that during a long time of peace they became strong(economically and politically self ccnscious ) as an electorate favored by the extended family tradition they have, …Now the former slaves real politicians have to get rid of Taylor…Taylor is a pain in the ass for them…As he can talk and prove about their less imaculate contribution to great political work. of the Civil War ….But no big guy comes alive from the Court at Hague, unfortunately….The revolution is eating its own children they say in France…The indigenous people made their fatal mistake by not being united and not spreading propaganda enough about their cause…If they could get enough allies (even if given the white people the citizenship) they could succed somehow…Even though , the extended family tradition has it bad side that : it does not allow their members to become rich …in order to be politically sound in time of trouble…The Civil War was planned the corect way ..and many years in advance for the the indigenous people to loose…Now the only consolation is left is God…God`s will…It was God s will…

“Everything in creation must obey a law. true in word as it is in deed…”
Let’s assume that Taylor is 1,000% guilty of the war in SL. That he personally trained and gave handwritten instructions to RUF. And for that he’s being prosecuted. ok. Soooo i guess the Hague is the new precedence 4 african leaders, right? Annndd I guess we’re going to extend that to the underwriters of the Liberian conflict, right? I’m talking bout the ones with the original blueprint for the civil war. Oops, i forgot, when Taylor was SENT to start the war, they told him, no, they GAVE him rubber bullets and cardboard bayonets. um… just like they do the soldiers in iraq… And um… um… i guess after this, they’re gonna go after the folks that started all the other wars, and/or backed ALL the atrocities that were committed during crisis in the 80s n 90s… um… Yeah, n er how about the that stayed at home, but paid for bullets to destroy innocent civilians? like for example, the finaciers of the ULIMO…LPC…LURD…MODEL wars. My cousins were maimed n killed, but Taylor or relatives r still “fine”…. But then again, what does a little pebble like me know? after all, THE WORLD IS ONLY BLACK AND WHITE.

Fellas, EVERYTHING in creation MUST OBEY a law. What goes around will sure come back. If it’s good for the goose, it will be good for the gander.

Hey, CAN’T KICK AGAINST THE PRICKS!

Tamba,
Totally agree….but we have to call it as we see it and so far….I scored ZERO for the prosecutors.

Noko4

Bryan,
Has the defense call anyone to the stand for you to judge??? NO!!. This tells me your mind is MADE UP.

Yes are concern about the VICTIMS and that includes Mr. Taylor also.

Noko4

If the General killed 20,000, then how much did the Commanding General kill?

Daniel,
It makes me SICK also to know that we are/were so WICKY to do ALL that happened in the war, but we are talking about a COURT CASE where EMOTIONS and HEARSAYS should stand ZERO chance of approval will you agree??? Regardless of what the situation was or is, I DO NOT think we should BEND the PRINCIPLES of the court JUST BECAUSE, will you agree???

Kabba did commit CRIMES and that was the reason why if NOT recused, he could have been hacked, which again beg me to ask, WHY ISN’T HE ON TRIAL??? He gave ORDERS so did Mr. Taylor. His Deputy Commander in presently in jail for OBEYING his orders…..is this JUSTICE???

We will both agree that EVERYONE did things on their own outside of INSTRUCTIONS, right??? We will both agree that guns came for ALL WHERES and from anyone who could provide them, right??? We also agree based on the trial that RUF was long in creation before Mr. Taylor even appeared, right??? So WHY is he the ONLY leader out of the region on trial is what I DO NOT understand. Will you agree that the same things happened in Libeia minus the chopping of limbs, right??? What is your UNDERSTANDING of the ACCORD that ended your war Daniel?? In Liberia, there was also an ACCORD that ended her war and guess what, the LANGUAGE in yours are pretty much EXACT like the one of Liberia’s, where is her court???

I suggested a Mano River Union court because of the various CONNECTIONS of CRIMES been committed by ALL sides. The judges could a COLLECTIVE BODY of personels as we see in this court. All will be held anywhere that is SAFE like in the case of Mr. Taylor.

Do you TRULY believe without the British and the American, we’ll be seeing this court??? Really??? And you should be SICK and go further and ask WHY?? I’ve THOUGHT and THOUGHT and still THINKING why we’re SO STUPID. To be blunt, this case is NOT about the CHOPPING of THOSE LIMBS, but something HIGHER than we are lead to believe.

Noko4

This case is an insult to the intellectual value of the black race, and I submit that the black race, as represented by Afrian governments, is intellectually inferior to cast blame on one man for all the destruction of our land.

Why are we not similarily angry at those who give orders and military hardware for the prosecution of the wars in SL?

This case is a travesty of justice and a shame for white liberals, that they would allow such a false justice to persists. This could backfire in the future because we are witnessing, first hand, the clear demonstration of white racism and show of white superiority. This case is not about pure justice but selective justice. And no serious African will value the judgment of the court against Mr. Taylor.

Even those Afrians supporting this case against Taylor knows in their hearts that this case is a joke but some of them perferred to fool their masters. No wonder, Europeans have always supported hypocritical black leaders that later lead to the eruption of peace.

This case has alter my thoughts about the ability of the black race for self-government, and I will now submit to the rule of racist caucasians. It is a waste of time to advocate for African liberation. I am done with ever advocating for black struggles.

Let me go find and submit my alliegance to some racist white folks.

Max,
If the man is GUILTY, I say let him be HANG!!!! But if the evidences say otherwise, I hope this court will see fit to SET HIM FREE instead of playing WHITE SUPREMACY.

Really, a DISGRACE to see this court after years of preparations cannot produce one piece of CREDIBLE EVIDENCE. Apart from Prof. Ellis, everyone else are WASTEFUL WORDS Here we have Human Watch basically telling the prosecutors who is GUILTY when it should be the other way around. Where are the other Liberians who were part of the Sierra Leone’s war? We heard the name Bolley and Kromah, were they indicted??? NO!!! Where is the JUSTICE???

Noko4

Not only joking Blaise, but the RULES of the courts have been turned upside down.

And you are RIGHT, this is POLITICAL and something tells me, MORE than we are told. I hope Mr. Taylor takes the STAND and tell the WHOLE WORLD the truth.

Noko4

Helen,
Some called it JUSTICE. But let’s not go into the Liberia’s side yet, we have heard of the names of Dr. George Boley, Prof. G.V. Kromah and Pres. Kabba in the Sierra Leone theater, why aren’t they INDICTED??? Former Pres. Kabba deputies are LOCKED UP. They all claimed that they got INSTRUCTIONS and ORDERS from him….and we are seeking JUSTICE. LORD PLEASE HELP US.

Pertaining to Liberia and this JOKE called TPC; do you know this was the VERY FIRST thang Pres. Sirleaf-Johnson made sure was established??? Why I wonder??? The TRICK I guess will be or is, THE TPC IS GATHERING EVIDENCES, SO UNTIL HER WORK IS COMPLETED AND SAID REPORTS FORWARDED TO THE UN and HUMAN WATCH, LIBERIA WILL HAVE TO WAIT…..yeah right.

Noko4

The discussions on the quistion: “why others aren’t prosecuted” is not relevant in the Taylorcase at this time. It is not a reason to stop any prosecution for the atrocities done.

Taylor was President and therefore responsible for everything which happened under his ruling. Like an Director of a company who has to take care of his personel and give directions to them and a father to his children. If your child is beating (torturing or killing) someone and you are standing by and are only watching, your also quilty. There is enough material around to bring Taylor into court. If the prosecution can prove he was knowing or could make plausible he knewn about operations organised in Liberia to support RUF this tribunal has reached one of its mayor goals by sentecing a person who had an endresponsibility in all of this.

I rather hear commentary on the evidence and courtproceding itself.

For the others? Yes lets prosecute them to so whe can put everyone in jail! UK free up a couple of 10 tot 25.000 places in your prisons.
(look at Rwanda)

Noko4,

You made your points now several times and those are recognised by several persons. No need to repeat them over again.

Further the charges are made by the prosecution and you know them. Now ones more let us focus on the court procedings and statements or when you have more backgroundinfo on those persons share it.

Regards
Christiaan

I thought this was to be AN OPEN trial for the world to see the FACTS….why the blockage???

Noko4

I believe Reeves whose first name is Cindor will not be called as a prosecution witness. In the trial against Gus Kouwenhoven his testimony was discredited by the defense lawywer. For example Cindor Reeves said they “loaded weapons at the seaport in Burkina Faso.” The defense then let the Court know that Burkina Faso is a land locked country.

The main source for the Global witness report is Cindor Reeves. So if the prosecution won’t call him as a witness, this will be a possibility for the defense to crack down the credibility of the investigation and the report. The report in the Kouwenhovencase was determined by the judges as unreliable. The writer was called by the defense but never showed up to explain on the report. Global Witness is hiding behind a so called journalist status. This is very strange because on other cases they present themselfs as a kind of NGO. Sirleaf has also financialy contributed to Global Witness to produce that report.

Further more Cindor Reeves also stated something like a mayonaise jar with diamonds. He stated that he was the man for Taylor to handel the diamonds. Copycat from another witness Alex Tamba or the other way around?
By the way very strange to put diamonds in a glass mayonaise jar. What is the reason for that? I can only think of two, first so everybody can see wat is in the pot and secondly when it falls you have more diamonds! Sorry for what is standing before in light of the victims. I wonder however why nobody made a remark over that.

In my point of view the prosecution made a mistake to forward the report as evidence.

Taylor trial will serve as a deterrent to other African leaders that do not respect international agreed laws and he is receiving the fair justice his demon Anti Terrorist Unit deny we liberins during his Autocratic reign.

Daniel,
Do you see anything about the acts of the Anti Terrorist Unit in the Indictment against Mr. Taylor. Stick to the issues of the trial please. If you have any problems with the ATU. I suggest you go to the TRC in Liberia.

I dont understand why Benjamin Yeaten isnt indicted. He was second in command, and played a major role in attrocities in SL (and offcourse Liberia…)
Can somebody enlighten me on that question?

Joe

Aki,
This is NOT about the war…there is something MORE than we are lead to believe. I will want to believe it was because of a BUSINESS DEAL that he blew in smoke and the US and British are making sure he pays.

Noko4

@Aki
So true, it seems that all the leaders in the region where involved somehow. My understanding is that those men are not indicted are due to political reasons, and they are still in charge. Besides I think that the prosecution might have difficulties to establish a direct link to them and the SL atrocities, while there might be direct link with Taylor (trough Sankoh and Bockarie, who where indicted). Still that leaves no reason why not indict Yeaten (or others).

@ Nok4
I tried to follow the trail of Yeaten after he went in exile. He has been seen in Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Togo (where they tried to apprehend him, but was protected by the government of Togo), and it seems now he is in DR Congo. Daily in contact with his former comrades in arms. Probably protecting the business for Taylor (hearsay).

As a Liberian who saw the evil that Charles Taylor inflicted on innocent people in the region, I strongly support the trial of Mr. Taylor. It is a sad day because the charges against Mr. Taylor do not include atrocities committed in Liberia. As one whose brother was forced to go fight in Sierra Leone and died there I owe no sympathy. The trial is the best thing to happen to such a wicked man.

Aki,
Can I buu you a DRINK…a LARGE bottle of CLUB BEER for letting or telling Bhai that his brother fought on his OWN WILL and ACCORD. He was NEVER EVER forced. He saw the BENEFITS and ENJOYED them….sorry he’s DEAD.

I hope next time many will NOT take up arms…in the end, we all SUFFER.

Noko4

Folks,
Is this trail about what Mr. Taylor did in Liberia or what he is accused of doing in Sierra Leone???? I listened to testimonies and 90% of the time, ALL ABOUT LIBERIA.

Noko4

Thanks for this website for me who can’t get to the trial. I read on it everyday.

Now, my only wish is, let the truth pervil, this is some body’s life, and he can’t be put away for life base upon he say, she say, if he did it, let him pay the price, if not, if it doesn’t fit, you must acquit, thank you, and I will keep reading.

John,
That is the same sentiment I am having…..IS THIS CASE ABOUT LIBERIA or SIERRA LEONE???

Noko4

Kimo,
“ACTIVITIES” in which war?? We were told this got ZERO to do with Liberia..period!! I know they are trying to CONNECT the LINKS but more times are spend on Liberia than Sierra Leone..why??

Apart from HEARSAYS, NO PICTURES with him and the MAJOR players in the Sierra Leone’s theater,NO RECORDINGS of him issueing ORDERS from Liberia into Sierra Leone….so when will we see THE BEEF in this case???

We all have concluded that he will be found GUILTY, but if this is ALL the court has…..then something is wrong.

Noko4

Noko/Helen,

I understand your thoughts and I agree. I don’t think you will ever find a link between Taylor and Sierra Leone. I am beginning to see the argument about what the purpose of the trial. I don’t think anyone is saying that Taylor is an angel in all this, but there should be a limit to what they try him for. He is certainly not responsible for all illegal activity that occured in West Africa during the last 20 years but it does somehow seem as though the court is trying to make him the one person responsible for atrocities against humanity in both Liberia and Sierra Leone. I think they should find the person(s) responsible for illegal activity in Sierra Leone and try them too. If they try Taylor then, I agree, it should be for his activity in Liberia. If there is some valid evidence connecting him to Sierra Leone that would be a different trial. Either way, I agree with Noko, Taylor will be found guilty but not necessarily for anything that happened in Sierra Leone.

Africa’s test for international justice
By Olenka Frenkiel
Reporter, BBC 2′s This World

Charles Taylor’s trial for alleged war crimes at the Hague is a test for international justice. Will it bring accountability to the continent of Africa or will it be seen as a new colonialism in what some Africans regard as “a white man’s court”?

Charles Taylor has been on trial in the Hague since June 2007

“A small unit of boy soldiers brought another small boy, crying and screaming. They put his right arm on a log, took a machete, and amputated it at the wrist,” says the man in the witness box.

“The boy was shouting: ‘What have I done that you are doing this to me?’

“They took the left arm again and put it on the same log and sliced it off. He was still screaming and shouting. They took the left leg and put it on the same log and cut it off at the ankle.

“At last they took the right leg and put it on the same log and cut it off with the machete. They were swinging the boy. They threw him into a toilet pit. I was there. I saw it myself.”

Pastor Teh, a small man with broken teeth is describing his capture by RUF rebels during the war in Sierra Leone.

He speaks in Creole while, from a booth, an invisible voice translates.

He is one of hundreds of witnesses being flown to the Hague to testify in the Charles Taylor trial.

The defendant, quiet and dapper in a dark suit, sits in the dock day after day, taking notes.

Diamonds

The former president of Liberia is charged with war crimes, though not for what he did in his own country, which is another story.

No-one here claims that he carried out the atrocities in Sierra Leone himself. The prosecution’s case is that Charles Taylor armed the rebels in Sierra Leone to terrorise the population and win control of the country’s diamonds.

The fact that he did this from a distance does not, the prosecution argue, mitigate his crimes. It does, however, make them harder to prove.

The case, according to the court’s Chief Prosecutor, Stephen Rapp, rests on linkage.

“We have to show the connection to Taylor, that he knew the RUF was targeting civilians for murder, for mutilations, for rape, and sexual slavery. That they were recruiting children under 15 to commit horrible acts. If he knew that, and he nonetheless aided them, then he is guilty of the crime.”

A lot to prove

But Mr Taylor’s lawyer, Courtenay Griffiths QC, says backing rebels in a foreign country is not a war crime.

“Or else George Bush and Tony Blair would also be on trial. My case is he should not be on trial at all. He is being tried for his foreign policy. There is nothing to distinguish between what he has done and what other leaders in the West have done historically.

“Why start with an African? Why has it got to be a black man? Why not start with the Americans who have been misbehaving in other people’s countries for decades?”

If Taylor’s convicted, there will be an expectation of justice, that leaders will be held to account

Stephen Rapp, chief prosecutor

Moral equivalence – invoking Iraq or colonialism or Cold War dirty tricks – may feel like a weak defence but it carries weight in a world where international justice still has a lot to prove.

If Mr Taylor goes down, the prosecution argues, it will be an important signal to Africa’s leaders – not just a step towards the noble goals of “good governance” and “accountability” – but a genuine result for the injured civilians, the amputees, and their children, for potential future victims, those for whom the idea of international justice and “never again” was conceived.

But it is for Africa that there is most at stake in this trial and all those watching from the wings.

“If Taylor’s convicted, there will be an expectation of justice. That leaders will be held to account,” says Stephen Rapp.

But will it be transparent, fair, and just – not only in the eyes of the world but for the country from which he comes?

‘Not justice’

In Liberia, Charles Taylor still has supporters who see him as a pan-African hero maligned by the superpowers in a neo-colonialist masquerade of justice.

It is not justice but politics

Courtenay Griffiths, defence lawyer

He won a presidential election by a landslide in 1997 and many believe he could do it again.

In 2003, he stood down and took refuge in Nigeria, only to be handed over in handcuffs to the special court of Sierra Leone who flew him far away from his peers and countrymen to be tried in what some Africans regard as a “white man’s court”.

In The Hague there was some interest on the first day of his trial. But since the press moved on there have been weeks of unreported “closed sessions” where unnamed witnesses have given testimony in camera without press or public, or transcripts for the outside world to view.

Even his defence lawyer is forbidden from revealing the evidence which may convict his client for war crimes, evidence which may well send him to live out his days in a British jail.

“It is not justice,” says Mr Griffiths. “But politics”.

“If he is convicted then I think it is a sad day for Africa.

“It is meant to set a precedent that in future the West will say to African leaders they don’t like, such as Robert Mugabe, ‘This is what is going to happen to you if you step out of line.’

“And if you don’t do as you are told, as leader of a vassal third-world state like Liberia, we will arrest you, transport you to the Hague, and put you on trial in the ICC.”

Mr Taylor may be a very bad man indeed, but Mr Griffiths is entitled to use any weakness he can find in the prosecution case. And when the good guys lose their moral authority it spoils it for everyone, except perhaps Mr Taylor.

International justice can only work if it is seen to be blind and fair, with each man equal under the law.

Would we accept the terms of this trial if it were Mr Rumsfeld, Mr Bush, or Mr Blair in the dock?

This World: Diamonds and Justice will be broadcast on Tuesday 26 February 2008 at 1900 GMT on BBC Two.

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i understand the fear of those witnesses who testified in close session. by doing so they rub people like us who are greatly affected during the war years. we want to know the workings of the ruf and other groups.as i am reading every day about the suffering of those who were captured and forced into sex slaves labour and later killed it makes the internal parts of stomach grind.to be in an environment where a man with a gun and under the influence of drugs and have all the power to do what he likes i pray not even my enemies not to be in such situation. the international community should provide safe heaven for those witnesses so that they will testify openly

Bryan Boley,

Excuse me but aren’t you the son of the notorious former LPC leader George Boley ? Correct me if I am wrong. If you are the son. Then shouldn’t your father be on trial also for war crimes against the Liberian people ?

In response to Jonas question to Bryan Boley. I know for a fact that LPC leader does have a son named Bryan Boley. His son’s name is spelt Bryan not Brian which is the common spelling of the name. For this reason I do not think we should respond to this person in the future on this forum. As we Liberian say “He is just looking for notice “

The gentlemen said that his view was obstructed so he couldn’t be sure of the road traveled. I respect your opinion though but the facts being presented beg to diifer. well Helen if perception is reality , i geuss in your mind Mr.Taylor didn’t do it. But what I really want to say, alluding to what I said earlier. Let’s just watch and see how beautifully this case is built. Innocent or guilty let’s observe the judicial process. I don’t have animosity I have a respect for due process. I think young ladies that were made sex slaves and young gentlemen forced to fight in a war and traumatized could make better use of counseling then I. respectly yours, Bryan B.

I cant wait to read more about this trial…

This is about Sierra Leone. all those other sidebars that Jonas and Lisa mentioned have no bearing in this forum . LPC didn’t start or finish any war and it certainly didn’t start one in any other country. Go read Global witness reports “Taylor Made” and “The Usual Suspects”. Then go and read the UN security council resolutions. Don’t just talk out of opinion .

I would like to be a defence witness for Charles Taylor.I am Sierra Leonean.The people who commited all those crimes are sitting in Freetown. Sierra Leone was a failed state years before C T began started the War in Liberia. I can’t understand why we African can allow this racist people in England and the US to continue to ensalve us. A war would have happened in Sierra Leone any without the RUF. Despite all the millions of Dallas given out to Sierra Leone over the years, it still ramians to be a failed state. Why? because of all the lies about who was responsible for their troubles they continue tell the world. For then, they think by continuing to tell these lies, the White Man will feel sorry for them and give them more money.
Has anyone of the so call judges are saying this man in guilty stopped and asked themselves these questions: Are the lives of Sierra Leoneons better than those in Congo, Liberia, Sudan etc where other African governments have invaded and committed the same crimes that CT is been accused of. The only crime he committed was to refused to go to bed with Tony Blair and George Bush.

So please wake up, don’t believe what Annesty Internation or the BBC is telling you. I witnessed the war in Sierra Leone and as a victim, I can tell you that the man is been charged for political reasons not justice

Dennis Osadebay
Liberian

well i am a Liberian living australia, i will like kie to speak my mind on the isue wit our fomer leader. Let us not forget those people hat got Ex-President Charles Taylor into what he is facing today and let it also be known to those in Sierra Leonean that, the man who you all blame for the destronation, was not the key to your problems…Those who throw stones and hide their hands should be bought to face the same as Mr.Taylor is facing. I want to take this time to thank his defence team for their a job well done so far.

Taylor is a harmless and inocent man who was pay to do a job and now those who pay him and give him all the support are the ones today ruling our country Liberia. As for freetown, you look good amongs ourself before sayin things you as the inocent people dont know, the very people that cut of legs and arms of their own people are walking free and everyone is pointing to Mr. Taylor, not even to talk about the war we had in Liberia, his men never chop arms and legs and those evil act was done by sierra Leoneans (themself).

Taylor must have a fair trail and those who are responsible for this unlaw act should be brought to face justice as well,.

And to my sierra leone bro & sis, let deal with the fact and learn to forgive and forget what has happen for the sake of peace in our sub-region.

What are those other African Leaders doing? Remember my big brothers,town trap is not for rat alone, today is Taylor, who will be tomorrow?

WE all know what’s going on in the World, do You think the Western World will allow you little boys(presidents) in Africa to confront them with this kind of nonsense!!!! Never.

Let’s all of us stand for what we beleive, no matter what the result maybe, Let God Bless and save Liberia!!!!1

Dorothy

Upper Darby

they should just shoot taylor now and save him the drawn out process.

I have yet to hear anybody give a valid reason why this man should not be on trial and punished for the pain, suffering, and death that he has helped to bring millions of people. I continually see excuses and defenses for a man that we know for a fact had a hand in bring war to Liberia, and quite possibly to Sierra Leon also. Some of you talk as if this is the most far fetched idea that he could have had a hand in the war.
So tell me now, why the semantics? Why should he not be punished? Perhaps my thought process is too simple, or I am some sort of idealist, whither they want to charge him for crimes in Liberia, Sierra Leone, the United States, or even crucifying Jesus…. ALL of Africa should be rejoicing that the he is no longer in power in Liberia. Yes I hear many of you saying he should have a fair trial… but then you have to ask yourself. Was he fair? Did he ask the people of Liberia (or Sierra Leon) if they wanted to live in decades of progressive misery? How now should I be a proponent of fairness for this man? Why should Africa long for fairness in this case? (And mind you when I speak of fairness, I am assuming that he is being treated unfairly, this in itself is not a fact. The amount of money and effort being spent on his defense is far more then most people will make in their lifetime.)
For centuries our continent has been under the rule of western society. We are willing to sell our valuable resources, let them rape our women and children, bow down to them when asked AND use them to supply ammunition to kill our own people. Let me repeat, we are willing to allow them to supply us with ammunition to kill our own people. We have become so dependent on the western world that we dare blame them for our own people killing us. If our people were not so careless about the lives of each other the western world would have little strong hold, or power over us. They have no allegiance to us, why would they care if Liberian or Sierra Leoneans suffer. But I suppose it was westerners that courted our many African leaders into killing their own people.
We need to begin valuing ourselves enough to bring these people to justice. How long will we forgive and forget. How many decades has Africa been in a stalemate with no progression? And how long will we continue to let it lay stagnant? As long as Africa continues it’s unwillingness to step up, as we have in this case and with so many others, the Charles Taylor’s of Africa will be tried in Europe rather then on African soil.
but again any way that it has to be done, it is a good thing that he is standing trial and out of power.
it is still a victory to have one less lawless person out of power. and rather then berating the trial by saying that he did not do ALL the crimes or he is not the ONLY one, or even that those trying him are TOO criminals. let us bring this man to justice and set the precedent that this activity will not be accepted in Africa any longer. because I think we can all agree that there is no precedent of punishment for those that plunder Africa, and what we have BEEN doing is not, and will continue to not, uplift Africa?

I hope he is found guilty and they keep him in jail for the rest of his life. Death would be too good of a punishment!

It is so sad when people try to talk about fair trial or the fact that the others are not on trial. This to me is missing the whole point. If you weren’t in Liberia and Sierra Leone during Charles Taylor’s era, then you are really not in the position to defend Taylor.

Taylor is being tried for what he did or caused to happened in Sierra Leone. Charles Taylor refused to stop his atrocities when the world asked him to. He continued until he was placed against the wall and had to leave Liberia. He called much attention to himself and brought all this mess upon himself.

The war in Liberia and the war in Sierra Leone were one and the same. The war started in Liberia and spread to Sierra Leone. The NPFL made up the core group that attacked Sierra Leone. The NPFL were under the command of Taylor.

For your information, all the so-called evidence that is coming to light are all old news to Liberians. The movements of NPFL/RUF forces accross Liberia and Sierra Leone are no news. Eating of humans is no news. Using intestines as check points is no news. The beating of Dogolea is no news.

Those of you who are unfamiliar with the actual happenings on the ground in Liberia and Sierra Leone during the war should be quiet and follow the proceedings and listen to the actual actors and victims. Some keep saying “Charles Taylor is no angel”, if this is the case then be quiet and let the man have his day in court.

Someone said that “Zigzag” was lying, then they went on to say that “Zigzag” should not be allowed to live within society. If what he has said is a bunch of lies, then why should he not be allow to return to live in society?

Since, some of us didn’t see these things happenning, let us be quiet and listen to the actors and their victims. This is so shameful and disgraceful to all of us, but this is a part of life. What happens in the dark will always come to light. No matter how long it remains hidden, when God is ready, it will be exposed. This should be a lesson for all of us. The evil done in the dark will one day be made public for all to see and hear. Good Day.

Myjo,
You’re MISSING the view of many, not just Liberians but others that are watching this GUILTY UNTIL PROVEN INNOCENSE trial, which is FAIRNESS according to the LETTERS of LAW. Nowhere within the juridiction of LAW will such an important matter/case be water down into a MUD SLIDE by allowing the prosecutors MAJOR EVIDENCES to be based on HEARSAY. How can one defend themself against HEARSAY??

This is the WORLD’s COURT and for the FIRST time, she has been SERIOUSLY challenge and to see what were are looking at, I cannot help but wonder whoelse went to their grave or to jail WITHOUT any FACTUAL EVIDENCES??

We ALL want Mr. Taylor paying for his deeds, but if this is HOW, then we don’t need LAW and JUSTICE. Why isn’t the former President of Sierra Leone on trial?? He issued ORDERS just like Mr. Taylor if we’re to believe the witnesses, but guess what, his deputies are in jail eventhough they ALL claimed they were taking orders from him. JUSTICE??

Noko4

Divine,
So if I fill up a truck of people and head towards a DIRECTION means I went to where you thought was heading??? How did you get to see Sankor?? Were you a CHILD SOLDIER??

Like Dennis said, you sound like you need some schoolings and I hope you are in class.

Noko4

What is the legal difference between hearsay and eye witness testimony? Is it hearsay to testify that you were told something, or saw something that a defendant has done, or is it hearsay to testify that you heard that the defendant did something from a 3rd party and you are not privy to actual events. There is a fine line but, the differences are worlds apart. For many prosecutors having eye witness testimony is a God sent…. this is why informants are so important, this is why investigators try there hardest to have somebody on the inside, on the frontline actually speak to the crimes. I am not sure I see this supposed lack of factual evidence that you spoke of. At best we may be concerned about the character of these people on the stand, since they are testifying to taking part in horrible acts, but this too is no surprise because this was a war and all the people involved were not the most upstanding citizens (in fact I am shocked that some of these people would be so open about their bad deeds, if I were a liar, I would sugarcoat my actions as much as possible)

Being that I have yet to see any fault in the judicial process right now, I would have to say that law and justice still reign. It is not perfect (why? because the people that cam up with it are not perfect) and it never will or can be. Some people get off free from human punishment while others pay for their crimes. This does not make the system any less just, or even less fair. We must live in reality, not some abstract concept of justice and fairness. As far as I am concerned, if a crime were perpetrated against me… no matter how many others got off for the same crime, no matter who else was also involved, I would seek justice, even if only a few out of many stood to receive their punishment. I could not imagine believing in the all or none mentality; either we prosecute everybody or none at all?(with this logic there would be no need for a justice system because there is ALWAYS somebody that got off) I say we should bring who we can to justice and let God take care of the rest!

Well, we shall allow the prosecution to present it’s case. fair.

Myjo,
Your assertion and that of the West that people voted for Taylor out of fear is just flat wrong. I was in Liberia and saw the people willingly vote for Taylor. I can also tell you that if Taylor ran for President today. I myself would not vote for him but can tell you unequivocally that he could give any candidate including Ellen a serious challenge.
Concerning your views on the war. Remember there were so many factions fighting in Liberia and Sierra Leone. It seems you only want to blame his faction. Were you satisfied with the Doe regime. We all wanted change that is why he was welcomed by us. As you can see from the testimony it is people like Zigzag who had their own hidden agenda of brutality. There were Zigzags on all sides. Recently General Butt Naked from Doe’s army testified how he ate human flesh and killed over 20000 people. Although even for him I do not see how it would be possible to kill 20000 people.
You talk about the darkness and the destruction you saw in Liberia. The bottom line is that the United States and other Western countries decided to punish us Liberians for voting for Mr. Taylor.They did this by denying the country much needed aid. The aid that we are all gald they are now giving to Ellen Sirleaf. The West is only satisfied with democracy when their candidates win.

In 1989 taylor invaded , the war started. In 2003 he was forced out the war ended hmmm. i think we found the problem . All these Taylor personality cult members getting so worked up about what these first 11 witnesses have to offer , yall should relax the prosecution has 136 more witnesses , surely they can’t all be lying and surely the star or “heavy hitters ” witnesses have yet to be heard I agree with myjo. If we are driving on a highway and the police pull me over for speeding , I can’t say well other people were speeding too, it doesn’t make me less responsible for doing it myself.go on youtube.com and heaR WITH YOUR OWN EARS taylor talk about cannabalism. It’s strange what he allegdly did to the pregnant woman, because going to jail for life is kind of like being buried alive. i guess God doesn’t sleep.

Myjo and Black 1738,

You mentioned the issue of whether it makes Taylor less culpable that he was allegedly not the only one who is guilty of the crime? I would like to ask you whether you have wondered if he allegedly were guilty (which is left to be seen), why he is the only one made to bear the brunt of the guilt when Kabba is running around, and Konte is as well? Do you think Taylor started the RUF and created the conditions for war in this region? That organisation was in existence long before the NPFL of Liberia. Go and do your home work on when the RUF was started, who all supported them, why they started and what was the role of Kabba in the initial forming of the RUF? Did you know that Kabba had a hand in the initial formation of the RUF when Stevens was president?

Now to the issue of the case at hand, why are you all so anxious to throw all the blame on this one man regarding all the problems in Liberia. First of all it was not Taylor who destroyed the Hydro plant providing electricity to Liberia. It was the jet bombers of ECOMOG who actually bombed the plant in an attempt to crush the NPFL. And yes they were being financed by the West in an attempt to anihilate the Taylor phenomena. This was because this whole concept of revolution in Africa especially Liberia which served as a CIA base challenged their very authority. Yes the west should have helped Liberia repair what they helped to destroy; but they didn’t because this was not their choice of candidate.

Historically after wars there is always rehabilitation. Even if they did not want to assist the country, they should not have stood in the way of others doing so. They refused to help and ensured that no one else did in an effort to get the desired effect; people like you turning against your leader. They have obviously succeeded.

Going back to the violence in Liberia, it surely did not start only in 1989 with the invasion of Taylor. Taylor was the result of the circle of violence that existed in Liberia as a result of atrocities and perceived injustices existing at that time. He was hailed as a saviour I bet even by you. Yes, things happened which were very unsavoury. We all agree, very terrible things. However, How can we blame this one man for it all?

Regarding the ‘so-called you-tube video’ I do not see how this incriminates Taylor. He responded to the issue of canabalism by saying that it is war and these things happen- so what does that mean? Don’t terrible things happen in wars especially guerrilla wars? Name one claen war in the world where no atrocities occurred. Even the so-called conventional wars fought by the west, very serious atrocities occurred; WW1, WWII, Bolshevik Revolution, French Revolution, Korea, Vietnam, Nicaragua, Gulf War I, Afghanistan, Palistan, and Last but not least Iraq.

This is not the first time that canabalism occurred in wars you know. Or perhaps you need to go and do some research. It happened during the civil war in Nigeria, the war in Uganda, Congo, Vietnam Korea etc. How is the Liberian/ Sierra Leonean war so different. We had canabalism occur during Quiwonkpa invasion in 1985.

this does not by any means make it right and neither did Taylor justify it as being right. He however admitted and quite rightly so that these things happen during wars. Let’s not be overly moral here only one sided. We all agree that there were terrible things happening during the war, but they were not a totally new phenomena in warfare. I think you need to go back and do your research on atrocities of war, both conventional and guerrilla warfare before you start passing judgement on one person.

Regarding whether Taylor was voted in because of fear, I differ with you also. In 1997 there were 13 political parties. Many of which were led by warring faction leaders. Why didn’t the citizens vote for those leaders or for that matter give them more votes since fear was the determinant factor there. Taylor’s party was not armed during that time as ECOMOG had full control of the country. People could have chosen who they wanted. No one forced anyone to vote. As you may recall when we went into those booths to cast our votes it was only us and no one else. so we had a choice to vote for who we wanted without anyone knowing who we cast our votes for. Come on now, you seem to be towing the typical western line of Taylor was elected because he was feared. Was it fear that send the people in mass out on the streets rejoicing and praising him during every rally he held? Fear is one thing, support is a totally different thing.

I bet you probably were one of those on the streets rejoicing with support for Taylor then. you may feel differently now. that is your choice. I know it is the tendency of many to be flaky in their loyalty as I can see from you here. Many have a tendency to cry down a down trodden individual. i bet a few years back when you thought Taylor was the winner you were singing a totally different song.

Noko4 and Aki,

You two have a very good analytical ability and an open mind. Keep up the neutral approach. This forum needs individual like you to bring some sanity to the process.

Personality cult or Cult of personality!!!!!!!

Sure but not en mass as we had in 1997. Go back to history. This man still has a tremendous support base in the country. Even the UN realises this much to their chagrin and in all of their reports regarding the Travel Ban state ‘considering Taylor still has tremendous support and influence in Liberia’, they would renew the ban on his supporters. These people are effectively being punished for supporting or having ties with the man. Very unjustly so obviously! Well I am sure you will disagree as is your character to do so.

Anyway let’s tick with the program here. The issue is whether he is guilty of the crimes he is being accused of or not.

Myjo,

you seem to be missing the very basis of the argument. It is apparent you are completely out of touch with the way things work in the international arena. The fact that pledges are made to a country at a donors conference is no guarantee that the money will be forthcoming. Yes pledges were made at the donors conference but the actual money did not come forth. This is an open fact. Also regarding the so-called ’40 million’ donated, do you know how it was actually given? it was given through NGOs where the government had no influence in how and where it was expended.

If as you claimed Taylor is being given more importance than he really has by me, with regards to how he is viewed by the west; then i suggest you examine how come he is the one that west has spend nearly a billion dollars in trying to nail? Doesn’t that seem strange to you that all this money is being spent to prosecute one individual when the victims of the war are not being tended to? Is the prosecution of one person so vital that they are willing to go to all lengths? Doesn’t that tell you that there is a lot of importance attached to this man? Do you think all this is being done in the interest of Africans? if you do then you are even more than naive than I assumed initially.

In any case let’s examine the fact as they unfold regarding Sierra Leone and leave the issues of Liberia for another forum. This forum is for the SCSL and the trial and not about the events in Liberia. I apologise to those who have to suffer through this long discourse.

Now regarding your somewhat biased allusion to the guilt or not of Taylor, I would suggest you wait for the judges to decide that. You are obviously too immatured and empassioned to logically view the situation. You have already made up your mind as to the result of the case. I would prefer the evidence or lack thereof to be the deciding factor in this regard. You are not a judge so leave the decision of culpability or lack thereof to the judges.

You obviously seem to have a deep rooted hatred for this individual. This has clouded your judgement in evaluating the issues in a logical manner. I will give you some friendly advice, you need to get a lot more information on how things work in reality and not so easily pass judgement on things as if you are an expert. There is always the official account and the true account of things in politics. You are apparently not politically matured enough to understand these issues neither do you have the necessary savvy to pass sweeping judgements.

Let the facts speak for themselves.

Of course he is culpable , of putting in place the destabalization of a entire region.

Culpable or not, that’s left to the judges. Let them decide.

PARTIAL JUSTICE IS BETTER THAN NO JUSTICE ALL. THERE’S A HOST OF EUROPEANS COUNTRIES THE AMERICAN GOVERNTMENT THAT SHOULD ALSO BE PROSECUTED FOR THE ROLE THEY PLAYED IN CHARLES TAYLOR EFFORTS TO CARRY OUT HIS GENOCIDE OF MILLIONS PLUS IN WEST AFRICA…AMERICA NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED FOR IT’S ROLE IT PLAYED IN GETTING MR. TAYLOR OUT OF JAIL. AND WE ARE NOT STUPID TO BELIEVE THE STORY THEY COOKED UP THAT HE BROKE OUT. LET JUSTICE BE SERVE TO ALL OF THESE CHARACTERS.

sideshow slim 211,

If you are unaware that the US government let Taylor out of jail. Then you must be a newcomer to the history of the Liberian conflict.

The vice president of Liberia is about to testify so this should be interesting, as we can all see the defense has reverted back to it’s weak line of questioning the motive of the witness. I think we are on like witness number 12 or 12 out of 136.

What i really want to know, what happened to all of the others, Boley, Kromah, Johnsons, The former Presidents of Sierra Leone, Gueina etc.

I agreed Mr. Taylor fought a bloody war, but do we see Liberians running around with hands, feet cut off? Are we afraid to speak the truth? There is no small sin in the sight of God, sin is sin.

All those that took part in this war directly or indirectly, should be brought to justice. I do pray that one day Taylor will have his day to speak in court.

Africans are not fools, we know that what’s going on is beyond them, they have no voices!!!!!!

I will keep reading………

Dorothy Harvey

Dorothy we are not talking about sins we are talking aboyt crimes that can be proved in court. Does anybody here follow the Spcecial Court for the Former Yugoslyvia????? that’s interesting Sesji is on trial.

Maxwell,
Did he killed Sankoh too??? And you are RIGHT….NO CREDIBLE EVIDENCE to CONVICT, so why are we wasting our time when everyone knows he will be found guilty based on LESS CREDIBLE EVIDENCES and HEARSAYS??

Noko4

Black,
Is there where you’re getting your NEWS from??? Has the TRC concluded her investigations for you to believe what this ONE MAN said is FACTUAL??? This ONE MAN you’re talking about, did he REPRESENT any EVIDENCES as in FACTUAL to the TRC??? Has Mr. Yeaten been interviewed???

You see Black, this is the problem that is also WRONG with this case. All we’ve heard and seen MOSTLY deal with Liberia. No one so far has told this court that Mr. Taylor was in Freetown or heard him speak on the various communications ISSUEING orders to kill or rape anyone in Sierra Leone or has anyone say so??

Between you and I, this case is NO CASE but the BIG WHITE BOYS want to show and teach the LITTLE BLACK BOYS a thang or two. You and I have reached a conclusion(GUILTY) to this case without him not saying a word…..WHY??? Mine is NOT base on the evidence but the ways things are going…..HEARSAYS is all the prosecutor has….SAD to say the least.

To hear some of the MADE UP as we go stories is unbelievable. This is suppose to be the WORLD’s COURT but the images presented make Liberia’s justice system shines brighter than bright….A DAMN SHAME.

Noko4

Myjo,

Based on what you are saying. Remember the Defense will get their chance to bring it’s witnesses. Their witnesses can discredit all what the prosecution witnesses have said so far. This is why I believe the Prosecution will have a problem. In the end if there is no documentary evidence. Then Taylor can not be convicted in a fair trial. So far none of the linkage witnesses have been able to show any proof. For example all the radio operators who have testified so far said log books were kept. When asked they say the log books were burnt or lost. I think only one log book has been shown in court and that mentions something about Yeatin nothing about Taylor. The Defense is doing an outstanding job in casting doubt in the mind of the judges.If the court can not come up with better witnesses or locate the paper trail of Taylor’s so called 600 million dollars. The Prosecution is in trouble.

Myjo,
Do you know that at the begining of this case, HEARSAY was not allow?? Somehow,the BIG HANDS in the dark inserted that as part of the case RULES.

Now what is HEARSAY??? No one is saying the witnesses should NOT tell what they were part of, but when they go into telling TALES that were told to them by others and those others are NOT around to be question, what good is that narrative???

Tell me where in this world will you find a CREDIBLE COURT accepting HEARSAY as a MAJOR piece of evidence??? Pretty sure not in the US or UK but they’re the MAIN ELEMENTS in formating the court….WHAT A SHAME!!!

Noko4

Well it all goes back to if YOU believe the witnesses are telling the truth. I see the argument that is being made is that there is no actual proof, written… documented… proof he did this, and the witnesses are not to be believed therefore he must to be found not guilty. The problem with that is, the witnesses are just as much “proof” legally as a written document is. if i hit you with my car on a busy street, and 25 people said they saw me do it, should I get off because you dont have my car to prove the damage? would eye-witness testimony then be enough? and if it is enough for that situation, then why not here?
As I stated before since none of us was in Taylor’s hierarchy, at least I was not, how are you people judging if the testimony so far is not credible? Could it possibly be your own biases that are causing you to think they are all lying? Or perhaps you just want to find fault in the court proceedings?

and yes Aki, you are correct the defense will have there chance to discredit the prosecution. But as I see it right now, they do need to come with a stronger argument then “he is lying”. Are they going to say this for ALL the over 100 witnesses? I can not wait to hear his defense actually. It will probably follow the logic of… all the witnesses are liars, the prosecution paid them off, or took care of them somehow and since you have no pictures or signed documents of my illegal arms/diamond trade and you have no tape of my commands…. then I am innocent.

But really lets be honest with ourselves, would YOU document these types of activities? to be honest I would burn, bury, or get rid of anything that would link me to this type of crime. But, the one thing that he really could not do is kill everyone involved.

Noko 4,
If the defense is sitting there and letting “hearsay” be admitted in court without objecting to it, then they are the ones to blame. That’s actually viable grounds to appeal a verdict.

To all those who believe the witnesses have been telling the truth. all one has to do is read the transcript of the cross examination. Most times the witnesses contradict what they have said previously to investigators and what they say in subsequent statements and also on the stand.

Black,
It has been documented by his generals that Hitler ISSUED orders to do damages. Since this case started, have you heard of any one of those testifying about Mr. Taylor issueing ORDERS to go kill or rape as FIRST HAND message??? NO!!! They all are saying they heard it from someone who got the news from another person thru someone else. Where do we break to get the FACTS???

Noko4

Black,
I forgot to also INFORMED you that Hitler NEVER EVER went to trail. So there NO HEARSAY in the court. His deputies who were convicted were tried on SOLID EVIDENCES…..FIRST HAND INFORMATIONS and NOT HEARSAY.

Do you now see the difference…..

Noko4

Black,
Did Hitlter go to trial??? Why not?? Of course they were convicted on FIRST HANDS knowledge and not someone told Paul, then Paul told Sue, then Sue told Musu and me…..again, do you see the difference???

Noko4

You have generals saying that the weapons came from Liberia, you have Zig Zag saying Taylor Told him to take the weapons to SL. You have Zig Zag saying TAYLO PERSONALLY BURIED A PREGNANT WOMAN ALIVE. YOU HAVE THE VICE PRESIDENT OF LIBERIA, MOSES BLAH grtting ready to take the stand. RELAX AND WATCH the CASE UNFOLD

Thank you for putting it so elegantly. The man(Taylor) is a monster , a despot and a long list of other undesirable adjectives. BURYING A PREGNANT WOMAN ALIVE first hand FAR A RITUAL???? wow

Myjo,

Remember hearsay being allowed in the court will in my opinion help Mr. Taylor’s Defense when it is their turn. Watch out Taylor has much more credible witnesses lined up then the Prosecution.

I think the trial is unjust. Why him? Is it because he refused to allow the US access to to the country`s natural resources ( it is a well known fact that Liberia has a huge quantity of reserve oil) or is he being use as an example for other African and developing coutries leaders?

Beware! The precess of recolonisation has begum.

Held in account of what? A war in Sierra Leone perpertrated by Sierra Leonean? Get real Boley. It sound like you need to be right up there in the Hague standing trial for war crime also. We all know the mayham caused by the Liberia Peace Council(LPC)of George Boley in 1993 – 1994. Were you a part of them?

Your must be mad if you want to be recolonised. I certainly don`t and I am sure a lot of people concur with me.

Wake up man. The charges brought against Taylor are trumped up and will be proven very soon.

L Bryant
London
England

I never said anybody wants to “REcolonised” I just said people wouldn’t mind reeping thr fruit of a constructive colonisation.But that’s all in the past

There is no problem with this trial it is just and fair. and the victims deserve retribution.

This forum had died for awhile. I am glad it is alive again !

This court was set up for Sierra Leone the jurisdiction for this court is 1997 through 2003 (If u watch the opening statement of the prosecutor) So how do we end up on a tangent about LPC????

I believe Bryan Boley and Myjo are a bid confused. There is a difference between providing concrete evidence and being paid or promised payment to lie on a fellow african. That`s what these so called witnesses are doing.

Their testimonies are being torn apart by the defence, proving that they are all lies.

So what if I left the country? It was better than staying to be killed by Doe`s soldiers or LPC.

Obviously, you have a personal beef with Taylor and his supporters. Whatever your feel are about us (and there are thousands of us), we are here to stay. Learn to accept that.

I may live abroad but have never forgotten my African origin which is more than I can say for you.

Look Mr.Bryant you know that law is an anylytical subject , right sir. This court website that we r bloging on is the court set up for sierra Leone , the jurisdiction is 97′ through 03. Know as much as you like Taylor which is your right( I have friends who like taylor although I don’t like him) Are you that out of touch with reality to the point that you think that he didn’t support the RUF. I mean you’re from London , do you ever read Global witness reports. Please good sir , don’t use the word “Hate” it a very strong word, probably at the root of some of these things that were comited. I don’t think anybody hates you OK. but I know you r in touch with reality enough to know Taylor headed a joint criminal enterprise which included the RUF and AFRC. Johhny Paul Koroma called him ‘Big brotha”….. Since we are off topic and have used these people sierra leonean forum to talk about our liberian concerns … I just want to say I’m so elated to hear that GenCharles Julu has been cleared of all charges . I think him and Micheal Tilley were the best …do see how out of place this is even though I’m allowed to feel any way I want. Mr.Bryant I know u like Dahnkpannah but do u really think he had nothing to do with the RUF or AFRC, because if you do then I think Charles Julu had nothing to do with the Nimba raid in 85′….

Bryan Boley,

I take your response as a “Yes” that George Boley is your father or close realative. What does the Special Court have to do with LPC ? Well for starters Sierra Leone sponsored groups like the LPC and ULIMO against the popular revolution and then democratically elected government of Charles Taylor.However in the end George Boley was just a failed Charles Taylor Wannabee.

Boley,

I said `dislike` not `hate` which is a much stronger word. But then what can one expect from a person who describes killers like Charles Julu and Michael Tilley as heroes. It show how out of touch you are with the issues about Liberia. So many other were victims of these murderers.

I live in the UK because of these people who wiped up my entire family in the 80s and 90s.

Regarding Taylors connection to the RUF, I say RUBBISH! It is yet to be proven.

Oh incidently, my original list of killers must include Alhaji Kroma.

Sorry to disappoint you, but I don’t hate, or even dislike you or the “thousands” of Taylor supporters. Why would I, you have no effect on my life or the lives of those that matter to me. So I encourage you to support him to the end.

But, none of the points I brought up in my posts are ever really addressed by his “supporters”. I am trying to keep an open mind with you people, but all I understand is logic. The “they are liars” song only holds validity when you have proof of the lies. i.e. “he could not have given those orders because…..” or “he could not have done this because at the time he was…..” even this bribing that the prosecutors are supposedly doing to ALL the witness, where is the real proof in that. We KNOW for a fact that certain money has been given to people for certain things, it a matter of public record and its legal. So tell me now, where is the PROOF of the underhanded dealings? Surely just the cry from the defense is not all the proof you have. That is their job, they will say whatever….

So please supporters… enlighten me. I have kept the questions to a minimum, I think in the past I put so many to you all that you were not able to answer any; this post should be easy to understand and reply to. Tell me what is YOUR proof, since the prosecution has none.

Myjo,

Enlighten you? That`s hilarious. You have a mind set on Taylor being guilty. I`m not going to waste precious time on a lengthy reply.

Your post proves how angry and close minded your are to the truth.

The proof you require with be seen shortly. Keep on reading.

Follow the trial….and stop rambling like a fool or are you too dense to understand the trial process.

Oh yes, least I forget, I will continue to be a strong supporter of Charles Taylor. The man is destine for greatness. Does that make you angry?

Aki,
The prosecution is on the beginning part of its case, so I really did not expect too much more then what I have seen, given the point we are at in the case. As I said before, I believe they will have to weave a story in order to prove his guilt. It’s hard to have well documented written evidence in cases of war simply because war is by essence destructive. Mostly all you have is the testimony of victims and participants. I am sure it would be great if an arms dealer or two came up and said yes so and so happened, but what are the chances of those folks coming out and telling their sins?
We also must look at what he is being charged with, I will not speak to the others you mentioned right now because this is Taylor’s trial. Under international law, it is illegal to plan, instigate, or order crimes “against humanity” or aiding and abetting those who do such things. It is also illegal to help put the plan into action and not take reasonable measures to STOP your subordinates from committing crimes against humanity (which include rapes, murder, slavery, forced labor ect).
This is what he is charged with doing and this is what the prosecution has to show he has done. So given that, I do believe the witnesses thus far have begun to tell the story of his role in the S.L. war. It also explains why the defense has to focus on the fact that the witnesses are mere liars because if not then we will truly begin to see how he actually CAN be guilty of the crimes he is charged with. The important thing is showing he is guilty of the crimes he is charged with under the definition of the law.

Also, I did not ask for proof as far as the case goes… I know the prosecution has burden of proof. My question was directed to Taylor’s supporters on the site. If you don’t believe the witnesses it’s simply a matter of your personal opinion unless you know of something that proves them to be liars. So all I want to know is, what is it? Since I am dense…close-minded… have personality flaws… a fool who rambles and is mad…. I wanted those who are not all of those things to explain their position to me a bit.

Instead, as is often the case for those who have no point, I got a personal attack. I am not surprised though.

Anna

Again, given that I have no reason or proof to believe that the witnesses thus far are liars, their testimony has begun to set the stage for me and I am interested in what the rest of the witnesses and defense have to say. Given the gravity of the case, 5 months really is not a lot of time. How much of that time has even been spent on the case being presented?

This is a discussion board; I am not sure why you want to control what others talk about. If we are leaving “judgment” to the judges only then why are any of us on this site at all. We should just shut up, and remain opinion less (which includes saying the prosecution is not presenting much of a case, is that not for the judges to decide?)

I do not see why you or anybody else wants to shy away from various topics on the trial. IT IS OK. We know none of us are judges…. obviously, but why is stating my opinion such a problem to you or his other supporters? There are claims I hate Taylor so much, and am mad, yet you supporters are the only ones that feel the need to attack and attempt to controls others. I am not being open, yet you are the ones telling me what I should talk about. You should be asking yourself why I, and those who believe like me, am such a threat to you, given as you said I am not a judge.

I encourage debate. The more the merrier. It is not unfortunate in the least. The only unfortunate thing is when people try to make it personal. In fact this is not debate it is just unnecessary and I don’t pay attention to it anyway.

It really seem as if the prosecution has nothing on Charles Taylor but a bunch of he said she said crap. We all know that these people are being coached by the prosecution to say things… they should be able to provide strong evidence like where the guns came from who bought them and with wat money? They can’t do that so its all a hoax…

I hear Moses Bah will take the stand next week. I wonder what he will have to say? …. I know one of the oldman`s wives lives abroad and he`s several times been denied an entry visa to that country.

So what`s going on here?

Zobon,
I pray and hope that what you’re saying will become a REALITY…looking at the FACTS and the judges baseing their decision on them. I will join you like I said from the get go, if this case is judged on MERITS….Mr. Taylor WALKS.

But I won’t bet my goat on it. Regardless what the EVIDENCES show, his chances of WALKING FREE is like me flying to the moon on wings.

Noko4

Well I know people got preconceived ideas about taylor . I personally don’t like him. But yall gotta look at the trial piece by piece, Do yall belive this witness?? Do yall think that The RUF was in Foya. this thing is too big to make Blanket staements about. I personally know for a fact that Taylor ordered Bockaire to be killed so he wouldn’t testify on him. Do you belive me?? It’s small things ALOT of small things that’s how a case is billed. Moses Blah is going testify will yall belive him??? one day at a time when witness at a time a case is built. A SOLID CASE.. if Jungle come will yall belive him???

John Doe,
The prosecutor MUST think we, Africans, are so DAMN stupid. Where within the banks of the US will one have 5BIL and the US gov’t cannot locate it??? Mr. Taylor told the ENTIRE WORLD…..search anywhere and you find ANYTHING that says CHARLES TAYLOR seize it/them….up til now ZERO has been located.

Noko4

L. Bryabt,
What is troubling is the prosecutor making a THREAT. If he, Mr. Bah does not testify, he could be put in jail up to 7 years. Is this how AN INT’L COURT behaves???

But the HURTFUL part, the Gov’t of Liberia is MUTE!!!. This man is a former leader of Liberia and to even OFFER him some legal assisance is yet to be seen. WHY???? What if he does not want any part to play in this fiasco called trial??? For that according to the prosecutor office, he may be facing 7 years in jail. WOW!!!

What power does this Special Court posses to OVERRIDE a nation’s CONSTITUTION??? What if Mr. Bah wants to fight his case in the court of Liberia not to testify??? Will this Special Court lock him up??? The same mess that was carried on Mr. Taylor.

As a citizen of Liberia, Mr. Taylor had ALL RIGHTS to fight his extradiction but guess what??? His gov’t handed him over without even giving him the CHANCE to fight his case in the courts of Liberia. And the same will happen to Mr. Bah…..just watch.

Noko4

Some of you guys are so funny. One of Taylor’s
trusted aides and former Vice President is on the witness stand, instead of all of us waiting to hear what his testimony would be, some of you are already talking about how he got to the Trial, etc.
Let us listen to the evidence. Here is a guy who was there from the beginning, held a high position in the war and after, and should know what he is talking about.
Everything that is done in the dark would come to light. These are events and things that the average Liberian person has always wished to know about. Now is the time to hear about some of these things. Are there some fears that Blah’s testimony may hurt Taylor?
What we all should be worried about is Mr. Blah saying the truth and this we cannot know until he testifies.

Arthur,
What is your take so far??? Mr. Blah knows NOTHING as it relates to Sierra Leone, so why is he on the stand??? Simply put, this prosecutor is filling up the room with HELIUM in thinking we are BLIND. He goes around talking about Mr. Taylor’s BILLIONS in the banks within the US but yet to cannot produce a SINGLE deposit ticket….LORD HAVE MERCY.

Is this case about Liberia or Sierra Leone??? If so, why Mr. Blah?? We are hearing names to point out what??? None of those names were EVER mentioned within the Sierra Leone’s case, so why are we heading down this road??? Is he hinting that Liberia will be getting her Special Court too and this court is gathering evidences??? I hope so but if he’s just SHOWBOATING…..a sad day for this case.

As for the executions, I and anyone with BRAINS would have done the same….someone wanted to kill me and missed, oh well, the rest will be his/her history. And I will be WRONG for doing that??? Plese give me a break.

To the money issue, wasn’t it the DUTY of Mr. Taylor when he got elected as President of the Republic of Liberia to PROTECT and DEFEND the Republic??? And by him buying arms to do such means it was ILLEGAL???

Noko4

Look, you people should stop joking with us, we want hard evidence. I wish you had it to really lock this Taylor up for good. But no!! you people have to bring some flunkies to give inaccurate statements. Please bring something hard and indisputable, like written communications, pictures of the two in a business transaction, something concrete that we can all agree with, not some hearsay, they say.!!!! And SL should stop this joke, did rebels in Liberia chop up limbs? No, the SL were wicked to their own and should bear the greater burden. Why should they be protected when they committed the crime. Did Taylor say to Sankoh ; kill every SL and chop up the limbs. BIG JOKE this trial.

I don’t understand what you all are talking about when you say that “they” are saying Charles Taylor has/had $5billion in US banks. The prosecution stated, to clear up the wrong information that is obviously being passed around, that there were $5B in TRANSACTIONS, mainly moving money within accounts to optimize interest. For all those who know how the US banking system works, if you keep transactions under $9,000 then they do not look at it at all. So if I were to have 3 accounts with $500,000.00 between them I could move $27,000 a day without the government saying a word. If I did this every day after a month it would be $810,000 in TRANSACTIONS already. So the amount of money in the account is not the limit on how high the TRANSACTION amount is. So it actually is possible for him to have had money… even millions of dollars in the US with out them saying a word. If you know the system it is pretty easy to “harbor” money. It is actually how many people and small business in the US do monetary transactions. It just makes it easier for those who are doing legal activities to not be bothered and conversely those who are doing illegal activities to stay under the radar.

Myjo,

First let me deal with your issue of the movement of money. If you really know the US banking system as you claim you will know that no one can just move $9000 everyday like that or too often without questions being asked. First of all Charles Taylor left the US in 1985 and never returned. He always had unsteady relations with that country do you think he is that dumb to have kept money in that country if he had it? Even you should know better.

Next Taylor told the the UN in 2002 that if they found any mone that he owned anywhere in the world they should take it. How is it that the US that is so ‘efficient’ could not disclose that there was money with Taylor’s name on it in one of their more prominent banks? Another thing Even if the money somehow miraculously was able to leave the banks for goodness sake there would be a trace. There has been an asset freeze on Taylor since 2004 March, why is Stephen Rapp only now finding out about the money? It is a blatant lie. If the money exists let us see the receipts or deposit slips or transfer slips or something that shows it is for Taylor. Other than that let Rapp shut up as the lead Council said.
Do you know that there os now a motion by the defence that the Prosecution should produce the evidence that Taylor has money? Let’s see them do so. It is such a disgrace that they have to resort to petty lies to make one man look so bad. what a shame.

Aki,
this Blah man is totally confused. He seems to be suffering from alzhiemer’s or something. He doesn’t seem to have a clue of what was going on in the country. No wonder Taylor wanted to retire him. He is so limited he really could not represent the country. He needs to explain his connection with the Black Money Boys. He is called the BM Father.

Ok, Blah is getting some details off, so what. These are events that took place 15 to 18 years ago. Being an elderly man, perhaps traumatized, he is bound to get some information and details wrong. If you have followed the case so far, this has been the same with the others. And watch it, when Taylor’s witnesses come forward they will face the same problem. These individuals are trying to recall very traumatic events and incidents that happened many years ago. Let’s be realistic.

Taylor’s rebels may not have cut off limbs, but every Liberian knows that they ate human beings. So stop making an issue of Liberian not cutting off limbs. Is eating human beings better?

Mr. Blah’s testimony has to given some attention. He is obviously trying not to talk about things that he did not know about directly. Let’s keep watching and listening.

Again, I say, this is just a messed up trail, and waste of public funds. What is the Significance of bringing Blah to testify against himself? This fellow, who is very illiterate and I am not surprised that he even ascended to the highest rank of power in Liberia, for the matter of fact he cannot even speak English, least to organize his thoughts in a logical sequence order to convince people that President Taylor is involved in alleged crimes as proposed by Repp and others. Blah’s trip and hospitality are being taken care of by this court, whose funds are, by and large the money we all paid for.
There really no rational of bringing Blah to this court, does this court really have a claim against Taylor, or are they making mockery out of those people they claimed to have interest in. This court should be shot down and all, I mean all those who were arrested be released immediately. People need to see reasons and proofs for keeping people in jail without any tangible reasons.

Alpha,
Totally waste of time!!!!. Is this case about Liberia??? This prosecutor is FIX on NONSENSE!!!. Even the citizens of Sierra Leone are wondering what benefits were gained from this witness.

The questions he is asking GROSSLY out of common sense.

Noko4

hey i told you guy that with moses blah the prosecutor will have a lot of problem. and show this is. Mr blah has no idea of what was going on in Liberia.he was busy planning to overthrow Charles Taylor. He will be remember well as Mr blah the new name for Traitor in Liberia. we told people that the man was broke and they said we were saying lies about him. now there we have it the prosecutor buying 50 dollars scratch card for Mr blah what a shame? i mean the man can not feed his family they have to give him money for family expense .Mr blah after this were will you live with you shame please come home and live with us so we can have a fine time together because just as dose guy hate Taylor they do not like you either, between you the prosecutor and Taylor you are the biggest fool shame on you. you has cost you family reputation a grate deal.even people who don’t like Taylor i against what you are doing. Why did you go your evidence is no good to the court you are just a shame.
BYE
ZOBON

Anna Zulu,
Actually you can move $9000 within a 24 hour period without drawing attention to yourself, that is how it works. In fact as long as it’s under $10,000 the bank does not have to report the transaction to anybody, which they don’t. This regulation was put into place as a part of anti-money laundering. I have seen the practice of keeping transactions under $10000 in play with my own eyes. Multiple transactions at that, with movements of up tens of thousands of dollars just broken up into small increments. Nothing illegal, just a way for people/businesses to not be bothered.
So given that fact, it’s easy to have billions of dollars in transactions off of a relatively small amount of money. It is now up to the prosecution to show that the money is his, but to say that the prosecution is so off base as to even think Taylor had $5billion dollars in the US, thus showing how much of a mockery this trial is, is an incorrect statement and shows ignorance of facts. I was just showing how it could be true.

Also, the US government does not run any bank in the US. Even the Federal Reserve is independent of the government. So in reality, the US government cannot control who banks allow to have accounts with them. Even people on terrorist watch lists are allowed to do things, they just watch their actions. That is once they actually realize that this person that is on a known watch list, if you have ever tried to get even the simplest thing done in America, you will know the bureaucracy never ends and slows things down. So even if Taylor was on this type of watch list, then he still would be allowed to open bank accounts and transfer money and other types of things. And with the onslaught of the internet, you don’t have to physically be anywhere to open a bank account, so the fact he left in 1985 is irrelevant.

Does it not seem strange that he was so willing to give up all the money he owned, if it could be found? I mean really Taylor, you claimed you did not steal anything from anybody, ok fine, but you have no bank account anywhere in the whole world. I know war-lording does not pay well and the president of Liberia is not paid millions, but wow, you mean to tell me the guy has not a dime…. Anywhere….. looks to me like if this is really the case its because he has tried to cleverly hide the money because he knows it was through illegal activity, or at least not something that can be explained. Thus he would be so bold as to think his irrelevant decree of “take it if you can find it” means something. I am not sure who said the UN was efficient, but as with all massive bodies of power, things take time. If Taylor was even remotely smart, any money he had would have been not easily traceable. The amount of time taken to find it is not an indication of if it is really there of not. Just because he said this in 2002 does not mean anybody in the international community cared or even took action upon it. It could be said that they actually had to do some tracing and dug back years, and are now confident that this money is his. Let us wait and see.

Just a question, it seems like you are saying the UN has some prominent banks? (“….Taylor told the the UN in 2002 that if they found any mone that he owned anywhere in the world they should take it. How is it that the US that is so ‘efficient’ could not disclose that there was money with Taylor’s name on it in one of THEIR more prominent banks”) Do you mean that member countries of the UN have banks in their borders, because last I checked the UN does not actually own any banks. And most, if not all, prominent banks are actually publicly or privately owned and not by governments.

“Not about Liberia”. Did Taylor commit crimes in Liberia? If he did, was he a criminal in Liberia and an angel in Sierra Leone? Guilty in Liberia and innocent in Sierra Leone? Let’s wait and see.

Why are we not hearing questions on things that happen from 1996 to 2003? We dont want to know wat happend back in the early 1990′s we already kno wat happened. This is insane…when president Taylor took power he was too busy fight his own war in Lofa county… These people man they will do anything to bring a strong african man down…SHAME ON U MOSES BLAH!!!!!! shame on u…you Once again u let the white man make a fool of africans… I am tired of it… This whole case is stupid stupid stupid…. I dont even know wat to say anymore… I cant wait for the defense to punish that fool BLAH….

Look Myjo,

That website doesn’t make a difference or change what I said. I believe you find it difficult to understand things sometimes. I said that if money is moved so frequently even under the limit over a short period of time questions will be asked. You appear to have some experience in the movement of large sums of money appearantly. Tell us about it were you involved in one of the rebel groups that looted the bank or are you yourself involved in some shady deals that involve the movement of large sums of cash without questions being asked? You seem to speak with authority. Let us know.

Obviously I am aware that the UN does not have its own bank; however it works through its member states who implement policies on behalf of that body. Do not argue like an amateur here. We all know that the banks in the US are mostly privately owned; nevertheless they are all governed by the Federal Reserve and treasury. Are you suggesting that banks can carry out policies outside of the regulations of the country? If so I will rest my case ’cause I will know that indeed you do not have a clue what you are talking about.

The US banks are very efficient in tracing money as has been seen with money for alledge terror suspects. Now how is it that the banks were able to identify and freeze all the accounts of those on the Asset freeze list and leave the king pin Charles Taylor’s account unfrozen. Come on now even you can not be so close minded. If the account was there it would have been found by now. The international community started searching for Taylor’s money since 2002 long before the asset freeze was put in place. Are they so dumb that up to now the money is still hidden? Give me a break.

In this day and age large sums of money cannot be hidden easily. there is always a trail. And yes if the Prosecutor claims there is evidence of money it is indeed within his purvue to show that proof because as stated in the motion filed by the Defence in this regard, Mr taylor will have to then be responsibkle forthe financing of his own defence which would safe the Court about 3 million. Now for your information that is plenty of reason why he should show evidence if it exists.

I don’t know how much you know about Liberia but you need to tell me where would 5 billion dollars have come from in Liberia when most companies were not in operation, taxes were not being properly collected, very little investment was being made into the country and the country was at war? Perhaps you have a magical answer. That is the same thing Bryant and Johnson thought until they sat in the hot seat. There is not that kind of money in existence in Liberia ok?

This is another smoking gun like Moses Blah was supposed to be a star witness.

Well you will just have to continue to sulk because things just do not work the way your mind assumes it should. There is the possibility that Taylor just does not have money. I happen to know that his family including his children are unable to even go to school because they have no funds to do so. So do you think he wants to punish his own children too? Get a grip. I know you hate the man but give some of us some credit. We are not all idiots.

Look let’s discuss the case as it develops and forget about whether Taylor has or doesn’t have money. This fact remains to be proven one way or another.

Helen,
We do not know how long the accounts were open or how frequent the money was moved so I do not know what you are arguing about. The point was that moving multiple smaller sums of money does in fact keep you under the radar, especially if it is between various accounts. It’s not the frequency that draws attention to it anyway, it is the amount and again we don’t know how often it was moved so this does not matter.
I was referring to the incorrect statement that it was $5billion in cash but really it is $5 billion in TRANSACTIONS which is a huge difference. Actually I speak as an educated experienced person not one that was involved in shady deals. If you had actually read my original post you would see I was talking about the inaccurate statement that somebody else wrote and then gave an example on how this number can be so large. I know sometimes facts can be confusing…..

And yes the Feds are the central banking system in the US, and banks cannot operate outside of their regulations, but they do not control who can open bank accounts, particularly in the case of Taylor who is not an enemy of the state. So even if he was on shaky ground with the US accounts could still be opened with his money funding them.

We also don’t know how this money was structured in the US bank, so the time it took to “find” it or at least for it to be brought to light is not relevant. And I must say again that you have the same problem of confusing $5 billion with $5 billion in transactions. This is not the same thing in the least, and was the point of my original post. They did NOT say he has that much money they said he has that much in transactions mainly moved between accounts. I see now why you are arguing with me, because you are not understanding what I am getting at… let me give this EXAMPLE…. again, let me repeat, this is a for instance….. if I have 3 accounts with $200,000 in each, I would only have $600,000, but if I transferred $9000 from each account to another account every week, I would have $108,000 in TRANSACTIONS by the end of the month. In 1 year I would have $1,296,000 in transactions and I have not added a dime to my money. All I was showing is that the amount of money held is not the same as the transactional amount and in fact the amount of money held does not limit the transactional amount. They were talking about the transactional amount!
I hope you understand what I am saying now……

And actually discussing his money is part of the case because, as you pointed out, the defense has filed a motion.

I am amazed that Blah could tell the court that Taylor offered him $1million. Knowing the him, (I do know him well) Blah would have done a sommersault for that amount of money. THAT IS ONE GREAT LIE!!

Helen,
I strongly believe Mr.Rapp is as CONFUSED as Mr. Blah. You can tell Mr. Blah to some degree SWITCHED his loyalty from Mr. Taylor towards the US DOLLARS and was been USED by someone else.

He, Mr. Rapp, told us on many many occasions that the case is NOT about Liberia; Two FULL DAYS and counting less than TWO HOURS dealt with Sierra Leone…WHY I wonder. Even my Sierra Leoneans co workers are asking…WHERE IS THE CASE AGAINST MR. TAYLOR?? SHAME SHAME SHAME.

He showed Mr. Blah the Constitution of Liberia but didn’t realize that very Constitution also granted Mr. Taylor as the ELECTED PRESIDENT to PROTECT and DEFEND the nation. The UN placed an arm embargo but some senior members within the body supplied arms to groups to carryout arm fights on Liberia and he, Mr. Taylor was to fold his hands and hope for miracles. Why aren’t Pres. Conneh(Guinea) and former Pres. Kabbeh(Sierra Leone) on trial?? Are the innocent to the DEALS of Sierra Leone?? He also turned BLIND to the fact that ALL executive positions are serve AT THE PLEASURE of the President just like it’s done in his home land, the United States; making to look like it was a crime to appoint whoever he wanted.

He tried to stress the formation of the SBU (Small Boys Unit) and it got blown in his face. Mr. Taylor did NOT ask any SMALL BOY to join but rather, they did that on their own.

I hope the defense will go over that list and points out the HIDDEN NAMES that Mr. Rapp didn’t want us knowing about. Who is this world will NOT punish anyone that wanted to kill them??? On and on, he kept asking about X, Y, and Z. Even the ones that died due to illness as if to say Mr. Taylor caused their illness. As for Mr. Blah, he has LOST more than he realizes…

Noko4

Noko4,

It has been thrown out as was espected. You just can not trust these people to adhere any agreement. They use you and discard you at will. They did to to Taylor…. Traitor Blah is too ignorant to realise this. Whatever they promised him is not going to be forthcomming.

He better watch his back because they`ll soon find out that his testamony lacks credibility and send him back to Liberia with his tail between his legs. Then he`ll be on his own. I doubt he`s ever thought about that.

The man has no principles… SHAME ON YOU TRAITOR BLAH!!

When did speaking the truth make one a traitor? Every man has to live with his conscience. If Blah decides to spill the beans and clear his conscience before he meets his maker, then so be it. Although some of Blah dates are off and his knowledge of certain events and organizations are inaccurate, I believe that he has really helped the prosecution’s case. Moreover, he has really verified a lot of information that some of us, Liberians had received as rumours. Now we know. More books will be written on the Liberian civil war.

When Stephen Ellis wrote the “Mask of Anarchy” and mentioned about the eating of human beings by the NPFL rebels, there were some reservations and denials. But after Zigzag and Blah, at least that issue is settled.

Look Myjo I think you are not understanding things here the indictment on Mr Taylor start for may 1997 to June 2002 . so even if Foday Sankor Jonny paul kromah or mosquito lived in charles taylor house up to April 1997 the accuse can not be held for that. Explainging the formation and operation of N.P.F.L to the court is irrelevant and just a wast of time .No one has denied that even the wasn’t a link between the two group,even Mr Taylor admitted this but the relation broke down. you are watching the trial and you know that because you are hearing it from witnesses, operation top 20 and top final was the conflict between the RUF and NPFL and even this event is still out of the indictment you can not bring what is outside of the indictment into the indictment Myjo. is not because you hate taylor so you should allow the prose4cutor to do the wrong thing. and Mr auther don’t be so sensational be reasonable
BYE
ZOBON

Hey webmaster what happen to the first part of Mr Blah cross examination we want to see it so we can know the truth PLEAS REMAIN NEUTRAL
BYE
ZOBON

To all those whoe thinks Taylor is soo damn guilty Just remember all the things he is guilty fo in this trial did not happen between 1996 to 2003….. pls people…

SPECTACULAR PERFORMANCE BY THE DEFENSE ON CROSS EXAMINATION OF MOSES BLAH. Instead of contadicting Moses Blah about him being a key insider of knowledge of Taylor’s doing. Courtenay Griffiths uses the key insider situation to the Defense’s advantage. Moses Blah had to admit that he never saw Taylor having transactions with the RUF/AFRC. He never heard Taylor talking on the radio with any RUF/AFRC. he never saw Mr. Taylor wiht diamonds. Moses Blah also admitted he signed a sworn statement saying Taylor never engaged in cannibalism to a court in the UK. The list goes on and on. This testimony has backfired big time on the prosecution as I predicted it would. Most important in Blah’s testimony of today was the fact that Mr. Taylor did instill discipline
in his followers and a lot of senior commanders were punished for unlawful acts against civilians.

Mr Harris i am not in favor of bad things and i am not predicting.what ever i have said has come to pass and in this trial,and i am explaining about the indictment if you think i am a lier then check it up boy read. If i was the prosecutor i will rest my case to avoid further disgrace after blah who next another amputee or and linkage witness that do not know anything? Look all you hater will be shame when Mr Taylor return we will sing and praise GOD
BYE
Zobon

It is so sad when some are so naive and gullible. In Liberia, we say, “Don’t let your sympathy exceed your interest.” Mr. Taylor prepared for this day. He knew that there was always the possiblity that he would be where he is today. That’s why he tried to cover his tracks, financially, criminally, or otherwise.

He used the divide and rule tactic. He was the only one that his commanders and appointees reported to. The right hand didn’t know what the left hand was doing. There was security on security. If you weren’t in Liberian and didn’t experience some of these things, you would never understand. For an example, the infamous ATU reported to Taylor and Taylor alone. How in the world would the V.P. or any minister know what orders were given to the ATU, etc? Do you remember when Taylor told those in the Liberian Lesgislature that it was because of him that they were in those positions?

The NPFL continued to operate, even when there was a joint presidency. Even when Taylor became President, the NPFL was still operating, although in a low profile. For example, April 6, 1996. Before we could bap our eyes that Saturday morning, Charles Taylor”s rebels, with their guns, were all over the east of Monrovia looting and harrassing innocent civilians. This continued for 52 days. Many lost their lives again. I know there were other factions involved, but we are talking about Taylor here.

The guy, as most Liberians know, is very street smart. Now the defense is trying to imply that Yeaten may have done some things on his own or without the knowledge and consent of Taylor. What do you think?

Here is a guy who was constantly giving money to his collaborators and dishing out money to churches and other groups to gain favor, and then he says that he has no money. Have you all forgotten about the 24 million dollars NPFL war expenses that Taylor placed in the national budget in 1997/1998 for the Liberian government to pay on behalf of the NPFL?

I know this case is about Sierra Leone, but if your child has a bad reputation at home, it is easy to believe that he has carried the same behavior abroad. I am saying “easy to believe”, this does not mean he is guilty.

OK MR ARTHUR DAVID

YOUR THE ONE WHO SHOULD NOT LET YOUR EMOTIONS GET THE BEST OF YOU.. I mean come on dude. We are not looking at chaeles as a person we are looking at the “TRIAL” We all kno that there were bad things done in Liberia… this trial is not about Liberia, it is about S.L. and Charles Taylor involvement… when it is Liberia’s turn then you can talk ok?? but pls follow the case and u will see how weak the prosecution case is against Taylor… It is a Victory for charles Taylor… They F@$% upin their trial… If Charles Taylor is convicted then it is a serious problem for the court and Africa….

Helen

You are so right!!! When charles taylor was president things were alot better off then it is now. i mean how can you have all the support that you need to get the country back on its feet and things are getting worst instead of improving?? Come Ellen you can do better than that or atleast that wat you told the Liberian People. Keep in mind that when Charles Taylor was president he was alos fightin a war in Lofa and things were Better off.. Arthur David go sit down somewhere cuz the DEFENSE is KILLING the PROSECUTION..:)

I did not believe anything Mr. Blah said, even if some of it was true. Because he was lying most of the time. Everyone in the world knew that the American goverement was behind the coup of Taylor when he was at the peace meeting and everyone in the world knew that Taylor was going to Nigeria when he step down. How did the Vice Pres. soon to been President did not know.

Mr Arther you are referring to yourself you are allowing you Interest to confuse you.Regardless of things been do the wrong way as long as it against Taylor it is correct. That divide and rule tactic was propounded by confuse people for the university of Liberia and you are of no excuse.And let me remind you when people speak in favor of some body they are not naive. Don’t be emotional be reasonable. About the legislator was it lie they where there because of Taylor.Let me educate you the government was a proportional representation,Did you vote for rep/sen in 1997? these i thing you need to consider before you misunderstand somebody statement.Meaning that if Taylor won a county with a large margin, it mean that automatically he won both rep/sen seat. Mr UL student and take that for under your name been a university student is not a title Mr Arthur you a just Mr Arthur.
BYE
ZOBON

Myjo, Taylor is on trial for alleged crimes he did in Sierra Leone, after Nov. 1996. Blah provided history as you said on Taylor out of that time frame and in Liberia not Sierra Leone.

The prosecution claims in news reports that Blah was going to testify against Taylor about his involvements with the RUF/AFRC and crimes in Sierra Leone. Blah stated over and over again that he knew nothing about Taylor involvements with the RUF/AFRC, Sierra Leone war, arms supplied by to the AFRC or RUF, monetary support from Taylor to the AFRC or RUF, diamond consignments to Taylor, personnel radio communications between Taylor and the AFRC or RUF, instructions by Taylor to either Foday Sankoh or any other senior commander in the RUF and had never heard of military operations called “Spare No Soul” or “No Living Thing,” especially after Nov. 1996. Those key issues are the prosecution case against Taylor.

Blah being an important Liberian in such a high position in government for a long time, an important prosecution witness against Taylor had no knowledge about Taylor involvements in Sierra Leone war, not even a rumor. Which most of his knowledge about the Liberian war was base on rumors and hearsay.

Myjo, can you point in the direction of why Blah was not a “damning” witness” for the prosecution case against Taylor?

Aki,

Myjo

you don’t have to believe anyone but what we are talking about is the truth Mr Blah was not taking to the hague as an expert witness to establish clarity. Mr balh went as an INSIDER meaning that he had a vast knowledge of taylor operation and these information was going to be very very useful for the prosecutor. The prosecution case that she is putting forth has no bearing and is full of inconsistency witness after witness are explaining the own story. Like what i said earlier the prosecutor allow the witness to say things that they do not know anything about

And Myjo you ask Kbarmor to show you and that was done why are you shying away come on Myjo

BYE
ZOBON

Myjo,

You seem to disagree just for the sake of disagreeing right? How can you believe that Blah’s testimony helped the Prosecution in any way? come on now, he showed them off to be ineffective than ever. After all the media hype that this insider witness would provide information about the government role in SL and then to hear him say that he did not know of any role that Taylor played in providing arms to the RUF in exchange for diamonds, was a slap in their face big time. He helped the defence in more ways than one.

Now regarding what you say about it showing that Taylor was in control? So tell me the man was the president of the country, so who did you want to be in countrol of the country? Blah? come on now. Blah was the second in command and obviously tried to distance himself in such a way as alluding that Taylor kept him in the dark. That is far fromthe truth. If he was so distanced from the action, how come he held all of those prominent positions, even from in exile on the base? He must have had some decision makeing in all that. The guy is sleazy and in trying to distance himself made a complete fool of himself. Imagine him saying that he was unaware of whether Taylor was going into exile and which country?

Even people who lived in Europe and America knew that Taylor was going into exile and that it would be Nigeria. There was a live broadcast of the asylum offer by Obasanjo on CNN on July 6, 2003. This report was carried on live TV in real time on that Sunday. Where was Blah that he did not know? Even if he were jailed for 11 days as he claimed he could not have been still in jail at this time. Taylor returned from Ghana after the indictment on June 6, 2003 Blah was arrested on the same day staying in for 11 days makes him freed on the 17 June 2003. So how could he not here of the Nigerian offer of asylum or of the acceptance by Taylor on July 6, 2003? It was another month before Taylor actually went into exile on August 11, 2003.

Now regarding him not knowing that he was going to be given the reigns of power, that is again another lie. He was seen many times during this time going to Taylor’s house even by me who was in the country then. He cannot blame Taylor that the other members of the NPP did not want him to be given the reigns of power. They felt he was incompetent and flaky and preferred that the Speaker Nynudweh be given the presidency. It was Taylor who stuck out for him to succeed him and he has the nerves to lie like this.

Well one thing I am sure is that the money they promised him will not be forthcoming as he did not say what they wanted him to say. What a shame. He let the white man lead him like a sheep once more.
Let’s continue to watch as things continue to unfold.
Myjo, you have a lot of disagreeing to do yet. It has only just begun. I hope you have enough stamina oh!!!!!!

Myjo And Arthur David are two dudes that really hates taylor and are in denial about the whole trial.. the facts is there. The defense is kicking ass.. I gues you guys didn’t think it was gonna turn out this way huh??? yeah me neither i thought that being Special Ct. Prosecutors they would have serious evidence on Taylor… But they dont its a big scam..

Myjo, you need to watch and read the media, newspaper and others report of the events to stay inform of what is taken place in this trial. Mr. Blah claiming he didn’t know of Taylor’s direct link to certain things, especially what Taylor is charge with as far Sierra Leone is not why the prosecutor call him to testify against Taylor. The Prosecution believed that Blah having been the Adjutant for the NPFL, Inspector General of the NPFL, Liberia’s ambassador to Libya, and Vice President under Taylor, he knew everything and was going to tell it all. The prosecution did not pay Blah enough money to do that. So the prosecution got the testimony that he paid for.

Noko,
To pass judgment on the trial in the middle of the persecution’s case is more them presumptive. If I liken this situation to a test, it would be like the teacher coming in the middle of the test taking session without notice and grading the papers in full with no regard to the fact that enough time was not given. What if there were questions the student skipped but planned on coming back to? What if the harder parts were left until the end… it would be pointless.

I really laughed when I saw that I was just one of the “two dudes that really hates Taylor and are in denial about the whole trial..” Maybe, John Doe, you are just one of the many “dudes” that is so supportive of Taylor that you refuse to see the facts, a bias is a bias no matter what side of the coin you are on. Face it and embrace it. No need to fault somebody for doing the same thing you are doing. I mean really I continue to laugh… Even if I do hate Taylor, the man has absolutely no effect on my life, if he got off right now and rode into Liberia on a white horse it would have no effect on my day other then pure disgust. But I do care for my people in Liberia, for Sierre Leone and the rest of Africa and I will not support a warlord. Period. You can support who you like, it makes no difference to me, I just think you are wrong for it. So stick to the case and get off me…. I’m not even a dude LOL

the show must go on, Blah was not the be all end all…. Any thoughts on the current witness. He has an interesting story to tell…

I do not hate Taylor or any other person. With God being my helper, I try not to harbor hatred in my heart for anyone.

What I will always hate is the evil that men do. The world is fill with too much evil. We should try and discourage evil in every form or fashion. I know that evil will probably be with us for eternity, but we can make our corner a better place to be.

Liberia is a place of contradictions, under developed, backwards, and at the same time laden with potentials and possibilities.

So to have seen our country plundered and destroyed, while countless lives were lost, hurts to the bottom of my soul. It really hurts. Do we Liberians actually understand how bad off our country is? The fact that Charles Taylor made himself a “warlord” and helped terrorize innocent citizens for so many years and masterminded the killing of so many and the destruction of so much of Liberia is a very sad fact that all of us have to live with for the rest of our lives.

It is an established fact that Charles Taylor assisted Foday Sankor to invade Sierra Leone and terrorize the innocent people of that country. They called it “revolution”. After Taylor was accused over and over again by the UN and other groups, for being involved in the crisis in Sierra Leone, and he denied it over and over again, he finally announced that his government was disengaging from the RUF. How can you disengage when you were never engaged.

Perhaps, the prosecution in this trial may not prove this, but that doesn’t change the reality. On the other hand, there is enough circumstantial evidence being presented that might just do the trick. These people were acting illegally and tried to cover their tracks. That’s why they used codes and emissaries.

So this is not about hating Mr. Taylor. Simple and pure wickedness and crimes against humanity must not be encouraged and hailed. George Boley, Alhaji Kromah, Prince Johnson, and all the other warlords and killers should be held accountable, and not Taylor alone.

Maybe, we will understand all of this in time to come…

John Doe,
Through your own words… you are the one that hates. You HATE people like me?? Who would that be, people that do not agree with you? Come on dude this is high school thinking, if even that. You are basing your whole belief system; to the point where you hate somebody you don’t even know, on a trial. And a trial that is not even finished yet at that. Not even half way. What does this say about you? Bias perhaps? How can you say the prosecution has no case? How many witness of the total witness list has been on the stand? As I said before, embrace your bias you are human, it is natural. Is anything I am saying changing your thoughts on the case? Does that mean you need to get things through YOUR thick skull? I have my opinion and you have yours. I do not see why I am such a threat to you but please, get over it.

And you are mad that the white people keep interfering in Africa. These same Africans need to stop being so open to kill their own people in the pursuit of power and wealth. They choose to rape Africa figurative and literally and we are mad that the white people put their hands in things? Who owes us more? The outsiders or our own fathers? The day I see a white man starting a war in Africa, without another African happily helping them, I will be the 1st in line to rise up against them. But until our own stop being so willing to sell us out, we cannot complain because we refuse to hold them to their misdeeds. I can see why the whites don’t care about us, but why don’t our own people?

Aki,
Obviously just because there is a Liberian fighting in a war anywhere in the world, that does not mean Taylor sent them. Why use such an extreme situation to explain a basic thing. We are not talking about individuals in Iraq or any distant country. We are talking support of a war in a neighboring country, where the war it being partially waged by Taylor’s acquaintance with whom he had a long standing relationship. That’s a significant difference if you ask me. What do you think of the testimony given by the current witness on the stand?

Myjo,
I know the trial is still on going. But I asked, if the trial was to END today, meaning the prosecutors have rested what will be your judgement???

Noko4

Actually Helen, I did not ask if you were part of Taylor’s inner circle, please read the posts correctly. It is not important to me who you are associated with.

Also, I am not on this site to be convinced of anything by anonymous people about this trial, so if that is your purpose, please feel free stop directing posts to me. This is a discussion, if we all thought the same thing it would be useless and no new insight would be brought forth. People learn new things by interacting with different people. Perhaps YOU are the one not open to new ideas, after all you are trying so hard to convert me to your way of thinking rather then really reading what I am writing and addressing it with a critical or discerning eye. There are different points of views in this world and you will need to get over it. This site is not about me. and if by dogmatic you mean I am opinionated, then I gladly wear that hat, as I am sure you do given that you so readily give your opinions on me. A person you don’t even know?

Aki,
It is highly presumptive to make judgment on a trial still in process. IF it ended today is not relevant because the trial will not end today as the prosecution is in the middle of its case and the defense has yet to defend anything. Also, the witnesses that have been on the stand have no real indication of what those to follow will testify to. But, I also think any case that is ended in the first quarter of the prosecution’s portion could not possible produce a definite guilty verdict, which is why trials are not run like that, but that fact should be obvious. This is not an indication of the strength of the prosecutions case, or even the guilt or innocence of the defendant. Even if one believes the prosecution has no case, I am sure you would want the defense to have its chance to show how the charges cannot be true. A race that is never finished has no winner.

Aki, please let me know why you think their is any relevance to judging the trial before even a simple majority of the witnesses have been on the stand? Do you think you know the direction that the prosecution and ultimately the defense are moving in?

Aki,
wrong person… my mistake.

My People ya’ll leave myjo alone cuz even if Taylor was found innocent he will still be on here pleading his case!!!!!

Myjo,
Based on what I have seen and read thus far, Mr. Taylor will be walking out of this court a FREE MAN. Now what will be yours??

Noko4

No Noko4, I can’t say that given what I have seen so far that Taylor will necessarily be walking out a free man, but to each his own.

And Zobon, I am against all useless killers. So be it president, vice president, houseboy, my mother, or a dog on the street…if you are wrong you are wrong.

I have observed the whole preciding. I believe it`s all a waste of time and money. The prosecution has no case, no evidence. I`m sure the judges are wondering why they are there at all.

This mockery needs to be STOP! I SAY THROW THE CASE OUT! LET TAYLOR GO FREE NOW.

Look everyone myjo is beating around the bush with this whole thing. he doesn’t want to answer noko4 question cause he knows dat the prosecution has no case or hard evidence… Let me answer it for u myjo…Taylor will walk free.. We all dont like killers but this is not the way u bring them down by trying to acuse them Show the proof and i will support the prosecution. They dont have any… In the US if a man or a women commits murder, it is the job of the prosecution to provide evidence to support their case… nobody is gonna convict some on hear say… you should kno better than tha MYJO!!!

Myjo

So you are saying that the case the prosecution has presented so far is a good case and all its witnesses are credible? Even with the fact that the defense has totally destroyed their credibility?

How has the defense totally distroyed all the witnesses credibility?

Myjo

Hahaha you are a funny dude! Do you actually think that those witness testimony is helping the prosecutors? How about the inconsistencies in their stories. They tell the prosecutor one thing and now they r on trial they cant recall wat they said or they get the stories mixed up? Take for example the vice president Moses Blah… Wat a joke… I mean how can you say u did not kno u were goin to be president until they swore u in? You have to be kidding me. and what about when he said the 7 man government was formed in 1991. we all kno it was formed in 1995… the dude is a joke… and everyone knows dat these witnesses are in holland beccause they were promised money. You can tell that they have been coached… I think you need to go over the statements again Myjo… your dislike for Taylor is so much that you are looking past the whole trial… you were one of those who had already made up their minds about him being guilty…This is not personal it is about the facts and wat goes on in the court room… You need to do more reasearch on trials and court proceedings and watch some video clips on the techniques lawyers use in the courtroom… Those witnesses are falloing right into the hands of the defense my man….

How can those who did not offer justice to others ask that it be given to them?
Even if you do not believe that Taylor is guilty of the crimes he is charged with in this case, why do you search for justice for a man that we know did not offer it to others? You are telling me there are no innocent, good people anywhere in the world that are being judged unfairly. There is no good person to lay your hat on in defense of justice? Think about that….

But this is not the point. Just because you believe that the prosecution has not presented its case thus far, does not mean that it actually has not. This is your opinion, based on your point of view. Looking from the point of view of a judge, who has no direct ties to Taylor, Liberia, or Sierra Leone and is well versed on all aspects of the law you may be wrong. In reality it does not matter if the defense says that witnesses have been paid off and coached. Unless you have proof you are just grabbing at straws to protect your client. It is interesting how those who WANT Taylor to be innocent cling to this fact when they have no proof of it. Show me the proof that the prosecution is doing underhanded deals, don’t tell me about well documented and legal monetary transactions that the persecution is PROVIDING to the court and the defense to see and then say its wrong. If you are a judge and this is brought out, it proves nothing to you because it is submitted evidence that you already know about. So if the defense is going to make an allegation show the proof, for that they DO have the burden.

Also it is important for the defense to attack relevant things the witnesses say. Taking the testimony of Blah for example, does it matter to the case that he claims he did not know that he was to become president? Does it matter that he said the gov’t was formed in 1995 and not ’91? It does show his confusion with dates (which points more to that fact that he was not coached) but it did not speak to the meat of his testimony or the case. the defense tried many times to get him to say that Taylor was not the source of all important commands particularly when it came to murder, and he did not say it. Blah was a witness that was obviously used to set precedent. As I said before, he spoke to Taylor’s history. Why is this important? If you look at other cases or just use common sense, setting a precedent is often used by both sides of the case. If you want to prove your guy is innocent, you show how in the past he did not do such things and thus it is out of his character. If you want to prove the guy is guilty, you show how in the past the person did do such things thus the particular crime is within his character. The defense, showing that Blah could not remember a date did not discredit his knowledge of how Taylor’s regime was structured, so if you are a judge looking at all that is being said, why would you care if he mixed up ’91 and ’95. Sure WE may all know it, but I bet the judges didn’t know nor do they even remember what they themselves were doing in ’95 or 91 so it would be easy for them to look past this mishap.

And if the witnesses were coached and paid to say what they are saying and the defense is using that to proclaim innocence then that means they are testifying to things that are damning to Taylor. This means that the assertion that the prosecution is not proving its case is false. Otherwise the testimony would not need to be discredited because it would not be proving anything.

Taylor is a warlord and war criminal .. he will probably get sentenced to 65 years MINIMUM if his defence team can keep up their work…. why do yall argue about this man it’s like pissing on someones grave .. he already finished just leave him alone… if you care about Taylor write him a letter in jail or save yall money to go visit him in jail stop just talking reckless … Myjo don’t worry yourself babygyrl these people on here are just mad becuz #1 they know he did it and #2 he’s going away for WAY LONGER then his age … peace

Dears,

Would any one tells me how many persons that i have called or talked to via my mobile phone, and what we discussed? I know you will wonder how possible or why i’m asking such queston? Well, i ask this because satelite phone communication between Mr. Taylor and RUF/AFRC is one of the many factors that prosecution is using to link Mr. Taylor directly to war crimes committed in SL. How can one establish that Mr. A is talking to Mr. B without listening to any side of the phone? not even to talk about what was discussed, i wonder. If what witnesses are saying about phone communication is truth, then i know why the RUF considered late Gen. Musquito as Godfather. They belived everything that he said and they followed like crazy goats. I’m suprised to hear some of the witnesses level of education. Can you imagine that some of them are pastors, teachers, soldiers, and college graduates and yet failed to investigate source of information? I’m ashamed of the learned prosecutors and witnesses that think that Mr. Taylor will be brought down guilty by presenting hear says as edviences in a court of high respect.

Harris Kortu Johnson

Zoban,
I think the problem is that what you want to see, or are looking for in this case is not necessarily what is needed to try and convict him. You want “hard” evidence, pictures, phone numbers, taped conversations and so forth. This is understandable but in court is not needed. A very valid case can in fact be proven with circumstantial evidence. It has happened many times before in cases and will continue to happen. There are in fact crimes that do not have “hard” evidence.

lets take this trial and look at it from a general view… if a person was charged with a murder but all we had were eye witness testimony, and circumstances that linked the person to the crime but no murder weapon, does that make the trial baseless, and concocted by the prosecution? Is it sill possible to show that the person did in fact commit the crime? If the answer is no to these 2 questions then why would it be different for this trial?

I understand the importance of this trial to the people of Sierra Leone and Liberia, but we have got to be educated about how these things work before we jump to conclusions. It is hard for most of us to understand how the law works and the nuances that it holds and I agree it would be better if the prosecution came out with a videotape of Taylor so that the public can feel better, but that has nothing to do with the validity of the case. In fact as far as retributions go, the standard of proof is far lower then in a criminal case. Actually, Sierra Leone does not need this case to seek money from Taylor or Liberia. Criminal trials and civil trials are two different things. You can be found innocent in a criminal trial and guilty in a civil case or vice versa. This is an example of what I am talking about… people are not informed of how these things work. Guilt or innocence, trial or no trial, if they wanted to bring a case asking for money, they would be free to at anytime.

Myjo,

To add to what Zobon said, this is a cases that is governed by international law. It is not a normal municipal trial where you have a jury. In this case the burden of proof is on the prosecution to show that there is evidence that this man ordered these things. This was not an ordinary man but a leader of a country. He was indicted and practically declared guilty by all the socalled powers to be. How is it now that they are still struggling to prove his guilt. If they were not sure of the evidence, they should have done more research before making a big ado about his alledged guilt.

Like Zobon said many millions were spent on airtime, the construction of the prison, payment of staff etc only to reach this stage where we are still waiting for the smoking gun. give us a break here, they just do not have a case and are only wasting everyone’s time. I am sure the judges can think of much better things they could be doing than sitting listening to ‘he said she said’. We are not in grade school here.

You also need to know that under international law there is no civil trial. Civil by its very name denotes sous jurisdiction. This only happens under municipal law. International law is extra-jurisdictional. It is not governed by national law although under national jurisdictions one can adopt the principles incorperated in international law. There is also the issue of universal jurisdiction which exists in international law where one state can prosecute an individual from another state if he has committed a crime against international. However, this is already happening in this court. That is why this trial is going on. If Taylor is found not guilty, there won’t be a civil trial as this is a case alledgedly against Sierra Leoneans. So which court is to have jurisdictional authority to have a civil trial? Not sierra Leone as they would not have any jurisdiction over the accused unless he is resident of that country. Even if they do manage to have a civil trial trial in Sierra Leonean Courts, who is going to impose any penalty? The whole issue of jurisdiction makes the possibility of a civil trial unlikely. This is not the US Courts.

Now I hope this clarifies things for you. If Mr Taylor is found not guilty, He Walks; and there is nothing you can do about it.

Myjo Myjo

Indeed the prosecutor is struggling to present it case they are presenting scan photo from the internet as evidence. photo that do not have anything to do with witness testimonies then you still don’t see how?

Myjo judgment is base on sufficient reasoning. the witnesses testimonies can no convince me as a lay man, Then how will it convince the LEARNED judges?

Myjo let me ask you a personal question do you believe those testimonies?

BYE
Zobon

Myjo

You said in you respond that the story have a common thread are the witnesses following on?

Several witnesses have been tested on common fact and events that have been establish in this trial, of which they claim to be eyewitnesses and their testimonies do not hole.

Myjo nobody can come and explain this story again and escape inconsistence because his evidence will be compare with the others and that what will render his evidence trash.

About the prosecutor to prove it case is a clear indication that they are presenting home movies as evidence scanned photo without a source presenting picture without the original then you stay don’t see how Myjo

Tell me in which court is this practices done

Bye
Zobon

Zoban, I did not see an answer to my question. You asked me if I thought the witnesses were telling the truth and I answered your question and countered it with my own. I will repeat it here, please let me know what you think. “…if you believe the witnesses thus far have been lying, then that means they are presenting relevant evidence that is at least strong enough that they NEED to be discredited. So how then can one say that the prosecution is not proving its case? Which one is it?”

Mr. Johnson, this is a discussion board, there will be people that do not believe what you believe and have different views. There is no need to try to convince others of your views. To each his own. The same brush that you paint me with can be brushed upon you. Could it be possible that you do not want to see the case that is being presented in front of you? I am sure you have never considered that, but then again you already know that water cannot be squeezed from rocks. And yes if you believe the court is not about what YOU think then why are you downing me for MY opinion? Am I not free to believe what I want to believe? Must I agree with you that the prosecution is not presenting its case?
How ironic that you realize the limitations of the effects of our discussions on the trial but still feel it necessary to down me for my thoughts. And when you speak of justice, who has defined it, you?

I noticed there has been a lack of discussion on the trial itself and rather on what I am saying about it. Granted I think I am important, but this is not about me. Does anybody have any specific commentary on the recent witnesses?

Myjo,
If this is based on BEYOND REASONSIBLE DOUBT, what will be your judgement as of today???. Time after time, we hear of STRONG EVIDENCES and WITNESSES, but all we are JELLY O and FRUIT CAKES witnesses and SWISS CHESSE EVIDENCES….WHY???

It’s sad and it breaks my heart to see an INT’L COURT been LOWER TO NOTHING or such standard. And if I was a judge on said court, by now, my judgement will be, MR. TAYLOR HAS ALREADY SERVED THE TIME FOR WHATEVER CRIME HE COMMITTED AND SHOULD BE RELEASE ASAP!!!.

This team of prosecutors are just DUMB!!!!. Where is the case to be proven here??? No documents, no fingerprints, no photos, no communications, no video. Any mind you, these prosecutors are personels who practice in western courts around the world…..I wonder if they were defending a client what will their take be given what we are witnessing here???

Noko4

Myjo I say no to your question. Several witnesses have been tested on common fact and events that have been establish in this trial, of which they claim to be eyewitnesses and their testimonies do not hole.

Myjo nobody can come and explain this story again and escape inconsistence because his evidence will be compare with the others and that what will render his evidence trash.

An let me tell you that most trial take place during deposition and not in the court, meaning that what the witnesses tell the prosecutor.

But in our case the prosecutor are telling the witnesses what to say they are stage manage myjo

BYE
Zobon

To all the bloggers on this Forum. I wonder why the Custondians of Charlestaylortrial.org have not given anymore expert analysis since very early in the trial? I think they themselves are shocked by the lack of evidence. Anyway we must continue to applaud them for having this site.

Noko4,
good thing you are not a judge on the trial because you would be doing the legal system a grave injustice. It is counter intuative to want fight or seek “justice” but then act unjustly.There is a word for this sort of thing; I think its called prejudice. But that’s ok we all do it, it’s when we are not self aware enough to know we are doing it that the real issues occur.

And I would have to agree that the prosecution would have to be catastrophically dumb if they coached all these witnesses and still were not able to get them to tell the given story. The donor countries would have to be colossal idiots to spend all this money on a trial and not spend just as much to ensure a guilty verdict. Since, as so many claim, this trial is their bidding. And the public as a whole would have to be the most stupendous fools of them all to not see a clearly and conveniently perfect put together case from a mile away.

Imagine that, the prosecution starting its case tomorrow morning saying… Oh yes in the middle of a war as you do your illegal biddings we have a video, a signed affidavit AND your DNA to prove you are guilty. How many of you will believe the prosecution then? I will not lie to any of you, but if the prosecution came with that I will know for sure they had nothing on the man because surely that is a lie. Most people are smart enough to not do even the smallest infraction leaving that much evidence, yet some think that when going up against international laws Taylor would be so careless. I don’t think highly of the man but I do give him a little bit of credit.

And yes I know that the prosecution is accustomed to western courts, and in the western judicial system circumstantial evidence is valid. It has won cases and will continue to do so. After all Jello may be giggly but it holds it form and stands up.

Myjo,
Do the prosecutor really think the judges believe this witeness evidences?

Pros: What did Reflection tell you aboiut who shot Superman?

Wit: he said Maaza shot him but the bullet could not go through but Philip Doe was the one who was able to beat Superman down, they took the ring from his toe and shot him and that went through. He said he even took off the ring that Superman had on his toe. He said they removed it before they were able to shoot him.

This present witness TFI-375 will be torn apart on cross-examination mark my word. I too am very surprised that the Prosecution would even bring such a person to testify. The Defense lawyer Munyard said before he testified that he the ( witness) has been proofed and re proofed so many times. It shows that during his deposition he was always changing his story. Even on the stand when he is asked to repeat what he says he sometimes changes.

This guy is one of the worst witnesses yet and there have been alot of bad ones.

All I can say is that the actors on TV that are acting as prosecutors can do a better job than these dudes that are prosecuting this case… i mean come on….

The problem I have with the Americans busting into Taylor’s house is. What can they possibly be looking for Five years later? It just shows both the Special Court and the Prosecutors in Miami against Chucky Taylor are still looking for evidence that they can not find.

Zobon,
No, I don’t think speculation is allowed under international law as is defined by international law. Problem is, it is self defined, not by me or you or any other random person.

I must admit that I have not gotten a chance to look at the most recent testimony so I cannot say much on that other then what I have read in other comments, but the prosecution is still in a good place and still has a relevant case to be made. The case is a sum of ALL its parts, swiss, cottage, or cheddar cheese and all. Lets not just focus on one or two lines of questioning, lets look at all of them. A crazy man can still tell the truth, so can a stupid one, all craziness and stupidity aside. What evidence has been presented that top Sierra Leonean fighters were not in contact with Taylor, that he was not supplying them with arms, that he was not considered in tactical moves, and that he does not have a long standing history with the top players setting a reasonable precedence for the accusations in this trial, as the witnesses have testified to? What evidence do we have that there were not Liberian fighters in S.L. training troops, that no diamonds and other monies changed hands between Taylor and those in S.L. and that Taylor had no knowledge or control of particular Liberians in S.L. that participated in their war?
When looking at the testimony, these are some of the things that plainly stood out and corroborate the prosecution’s claims. Unless YOU know what really happened, can you say for sure which portions of the testimony are fact and which are fiction. Why believe and harp on the portion of the testimony that you believe is a lie then over look the portions that are true just to discredit the witness in your own mind? Testimony is actually evidence; some of you are acting as if it is not. Likewise, more testimony equals more evidence. This is more about the subjective views of the witnesses, which can easily fall on the positive or negative thus making the case not as ridiculous as some may think.

Noko4, what accord are you talking about? I know of the Lome peace accord that was signed by the government of S.L. and RUF which granted amnesty to the combatants. Did Taylor sign an accord also, was he a combatant? If you are referring to the Lome accord this has long since been addressed. In 2003, I believe, the court ruled that the accord applied to national and not international law thus not affecting the trials.

Also hearsay evidence, from a general legal stance, does have certain situations where it is admitted in court. Hearsay has been allowed in international war crime cases before also, this is not new or special for Taylor. Actually, it looks like the defense took a page right out of the defend-a-warlord handbook and challenged the notion of allow hearsay in the case, and the court decided it was allowed. Pretty standard stuff. I am sure your pursuit of “justice” encompasses more then this case so you have been speaking out against hearsay for decades given the reality of its use…

I continue to look forward to the case the prosecution will present, but I truly cannot wait for defense. I would really like to see what sort of upstanding, brilliant citizens they will produce to refute what the prosecution would have presented by then. Hopefully there will be more said then, “These people are lying.” I would like to hear the “ Here is why…..”

Myjo,
Please look at section 2 of the PARDON clause I beg and tell us if the word “COLLABORATORS” does not apply in this case.

ARTICLE IX

PARDON AND AMNESTY

2. “After the signing of the present Agreement, the Government of Sierra Leone shall also grant absolute and free pardon and reprieve to all combatants and collaborators in respect of anything done by them in pursuit of their objectives, up to the time of the signing of the present Agreement”.

And here’s another reason why I strongly believe you are LOST….look at those that SIGNED the ACCORD and tell us if you don’t see Mr. Taylor’s name plus witnessed by the int’l communities. Now, if the UN felt the crimes committed needed NO PARDON why did she signed off on it Myjo??? Plus, please show us what DOCUMENT(s) addressed this ACCORD pertaining to Mr. Taylor’s case.

ARTICLE XXXVII

ENTRY INTO FORCE

The present Agreement shall enter into force immediately upon its signing by the Parties.

Done in Lomé this seven day of the month of July 1999 in twelve (12) original texts in English and French, each text being equally authentic.

Alhaji Ahmad Tejan Kabbah
President of the Republic of Sierra Leone

Corporal Foday Saybana Sankoh
Leader of the Revolutionary United Front of Sierra Leone

His Excellency Gnassingbe Eyadema
President of the Togolese Republic
Chairman of ECOWAS

His Excellency Blaise Compaore
President of Burkina Faso

His Excellency Dahkpanah Dr. Charles Ghankey Taylor
President of the Republic of Liberia

His Excellency Olusegun Obasanjo
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

His Excellency Youssoufou Bamba
Secretary of State at the Foreign Mission in charge of
International Cooperation of Cote d’Ivoire

His Excellency Victor Gbeho
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Ghana

Mr. Roger Laloupo
Representative of the ECOWAS Special Representative

Ms. Adwoa Coleman
Representative Organization of African Unity

Ambassador Francis G. Okelo
Executive Secretary of the United Nations Secretary General

Dr. Moses K.Z. Anafu
Representative of the Commonwealth of Nations

Now that we see the FACTS, I ask you Myjo, WHAT GOODS ARE THERE FOR A GOV’T TO SIGN AN ARRANGEMENT/AGREEMENT/ACCORD WITH A BODY OF PERSONS AND COME BACK FEW MONTHS LATER AND CHANGED THE GROUND RULES THAT WERE AGREED UPON??? Do you know of any REASONS why former Pres. Kabba is not on trial???

This court is a working AGREEMENT between Sierra Leone and the UN right??? The AGREEMENT states that it was established to prosecute those that bear the GREATEST RESPONSIBILITIES of INT’L and SIERRA LEONE LAWS after investigations since ’96; why then we hear of CRIMES committed between ’90 thru ’95 Myjo???

Oh yes, some HEARSAYS are allow in court but when the witness states that “HE TOLD ME HIMSELF” and that “HE” is DEAD, how do we do a FACT check Myjo?? That’s the kind of HEARSAYS I am speaking about and against. If the “HE TOLD ME HIMSELF” is around and alive then let the court issue a WARRANT for said person to show up for one of sides…..FAIR.

If I was on the defense side, I will call NO WITNESS but put Mr. Taylor on the stand FOREVER. Let me tell the world his role then provide FACTUAL RECORDS to support him.

Noko4

Aki,
And she was asked on the stand about her impartiality and she REFUSED to answer resulting to an hash exchange between she and the defense….at last the judge had to instruct her to answer the question.

She was the one who did MOST of the early interviews for Human Watch and passed them on to the Special Court.

Noko4

Chris,

As we ALL and that include Myjo, there are NO HARDCORE EVIDENCE to link Mr. Taylor. Moreso, the MANDATE of this court is to find who were GREATLY responsible for the crime from Now 1996 forward.

Here’s the MANDATE of this Special Court….”The Special Court for Sierra Leone is mandated to try those bearing the greatest responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed within the territory of Sierra Leone since 30 November 1996″.

I rest my case!!!

Noko4

Chris, if you have not said anything before, you have just said it all. It is only hopeful that this mind set Myjo will read and open his eyes and mind to the facts.

Harris Kortu Johnson
Monrovia-Liberia(Today)

Again, another STAR WITNESS shreded into pieces!!! Was CLOSED to Ben Yeaten yet still AFRAID to ask questions. Didn’t tell of his ROLES in the war but rather knew so much by MAGIC….Lord have mercy.

Noko4

Zobon
Myjo is in DISBELIEVE!!!.

Here’s the problem. Previous interviews were done by Human Watch….the tactic she has used on many many occasions to throw few in jail, but to her surprise, here comes Mr. STREET SMART who has beaten many mamy system of justice before.

His first move, PROTESTED and FIRED his counsel…..sending out a message, we are NOT in a 100 meter dash but a marathon. Second move, put the prosecutors on trail and if you really followed this case thus far, the prosecutors are the ones seeking covers. Thirdly, make every witness REGRET why they showed up and put them against each other and the prosecutor.

Even the judges today were RELAXED than ever……I pray that JUSTICE is what been sought and NOT some WITCH HUNT. Again, if this is JUSTICE as according to the MANDATE of this court, Mr Taylor WALKS. After then, Liberia will have hers for sure…this time around, he’s cook along with Ellen.

Noko4

Arthur,
there has not been any prove showing that Charles Taylor sent any arms and ammunitions to Sierra Leone RUF between Nov. 30, 1996 and 2003.

I have asked the question….what part(s) does/do the ACCORD plays in this case and we’re getting a taste of it. Myjo said it was THROWN OUT but failed to show us where we can go and read such.

Noko4

Noko4,
There nothing fishy at about that timeframe. The great propaganda machine against Liberia and the Liberian people has announce the Charles Taylor will be the first African Leader or President of an African country to be try in the Hague for war crimes. In order for that to come true the court can only make a judgment on evdinces from 1997 onward. Mr. Taylor was president of Liberia from August 2, 1997 to August 11, 2003.

Noko4
The prosecution had a very, very day to day. The witnes today has began to tell how limited Mr. Taylor role was with RUF during his presidency.

Kbarmor,

The man had LURD to deal with…..why will be helping another fighting group with arms when he needed them for himself.

I hope these judges serve JUSTICE well.

Noko4

Harris,

I have NO PROBLEM with them FIRST HAND telling their side of involvements but this he told me and NO WAY to verify is beyond reasoning.

I wish him BEST.

Noko4

Why do the prosecution keep referring to Sam Bockarie and those who came to Liberia with him as RUF. The witness is testifying about Bockarie and the others who follow him to Liberia, after Bockarie was kick out of the RUF and Sierra Leone or whatever happen, he and his fighters and others was no longer RUF. The prosecution has left Sierra Leone and now trying to make a case the Ivory Coast.

This witness seems to be a creditable person, but the evidence he is given is not what the prosecution needs to be offering as evidence against Taylor.

Noko4,
Why and how has the Prosecution made you as a African SHAME?

Kbarmor,

What makes this prosecutor an AFRICAN SHAME is that he lacks focus. Like beheaded chicken, he jumps here and there for cover. He has completely left Sierra Leone and now in the Ivory Coast. For the witness, I told you that I know him very well. He can never say more then this. As you can see he some times sound like a defence witness. Well, let’s wait and see the next big RUF gun.

Harris K Johnson
IN
Monrovia (TODAY)

Harris K Johnson,
This witness has been jumping from one thing to another leaving big gaps and unexplained issues from the first time he took the stand. An issue, I was hoping he would explain was why Bockarie left the RUF Organization and Sierra Leone and why he (the witness) and those other people follow him. Also since Bockarie appears to have left Liberia shortly after his arrival and the Leoneans, which came with him stayed, was Bockarie to resettle in Burkina instead of Liberia. But I will just have to wait for the defense to present its case and maybe some of these issues will be cleared up.

It seems that this witness was a big gun in the Bockarie’s camp, not necessary in the RUF organization. I have notice that the prosecution witnesses who claim to be a higher up in the RUF organization turn out to be a higher up in one of the commander’s group or camps not per say the RUF organization. This maybe why everything they know about Charles Taylor dealing with the RUF Organization turns out to be hearsay.

From that, I think that Taylor only dealt with persons who were equal to him in organization leadership and presidential, which would have been Foday Saybana Sankoh Leader of the RUF Organization, who was trained with him in Libyan to run a revolutionary government.

So any so-called big RUF or Liberian gun that the prosecution brings is most likely will tell what they heard, learn from someone else or what they have conclude for themselves about the Taylor connection to the RUF Organization.

I would like to get a full picture of the case.
Can somebody tell me how many witnesses has giving there testimony?
What there names, nationality and status (expert, victim, associate or partner in crime) are?
How many more to come?

Regards
Chris

Did you all hear the Chief Prosecutor’s interview in New York? He claims this is a a sample of transparent international justice. Well let’s hope so because if it truly is and given the so-called evidence of the prosecution, Mr Taylor should walk.

In response to Chris, He said that there have been about 35 witnesses out of 55. These include insiders etc. Well I do wonder what the rest of the witnesses have to bring?

So far I am totally bored. It is a repeat of the same confused contorted stories that do not add up. Why don’t they just end this and save face?

I believ the prosecution are to proceed up to about September and then the Defence are to start presenting their case.

Where is Myjo?

Mr. Jaward knows now that quick money for lies will catch up with you and run out. The Defense broke his evidence into pieces. I begin to feel sorry for Jaward. I really don’t believe that Jaward was an RUF member or part of the ATU of Liberia as he claims.

hey friends the hole case is boring and so sick even the typist for this website is Tyre typing lies so they so the preferred summarizing cause this in’s getting anywhere and so are our friends getting weary . Let us keep the hope alive and keep fighting for a fair trial.

BYE
ZOBON

These witnesses the Prosecution are presenting are an ” Embarrassment ” to their case and is only helping he Defense.

If this trial is about justice and not politics. Charles Taylor will be free soon.

Kbarmor,

How many of those rubbish that you call trurh have been admitted into evidence? As for the defense of Taylor, do not worry about what God is about to do. In this case God is our strenght and our guard we fear no evil black or white. Comes September, the world will hear the voice of the voice less. When the Lord arrive, the enemies will run in seven different ways. Just to let you know that our God is able.

Harris K Johnson
VP Road, Congo Town,
Monrovia-Liberia

Hey kbarmor

All those evidence had dought cast on them and are full of inconsistence the was no real contest here for the defense that a witnesses could not be proven wrong. In other for a judge to believe
fully the actual account of any witness statement it has to be consistence with what you told the Interviewer. I will just like you to please show me one witness the got bye the defense so easily with a evidence that was not destroy.

BYE
Zobon

Zobon,

While I agreed 100% that there are two ways to everything, some of our brothers on this website have proven that they have eyes, but can not see, have ears, but can not hear,and have minds, but can not read between lines with comprehension. Every big mind like you know that there is no hard evidence so far that has been presented against Mr. Taylor in this case. Let us wait and see comes September. I can also be contacted on this email: jkortu@yahoo.com or security@merlin-liberia.org.

Harris K Johnson
VP Road, Monrovia-Liberia

Harris K Johnson,
While I agree with you that there has not been any hard evidence given in open court so far against Taylor, there have been alot of hearsay evidence given and accepted by the court that must be dealt with during the trial.

You keep hinting about somethings big will happen in this trial come September. Will the prosecution still be presenting it case or will the Defense be starting to present it case.

There also some of our brothers on this website have proven they see, hear, read between lines with comprehension better and have such a big great mind, that they are too above other to even listen to a different of opinions.

Zobon,
You are right that the commander had information that was kept from foot soldiers. Issac Mongor , statements also suggest that there was information kept from the Commanders by the seniors Admin. in the organization. Mongor did not say that he gave Taylor diamond and Taylor gave him gun from what I got from and remember of his statements. I think that Taylor only dealt with persons who were equal to him in organization leadership and presidential, which would have been Foday S. Sankoh and other in the Admin part of the RUF Organization

I found this article about how Taylor and them live and r treated in jail , I think it is ridicoulous to spend the court money on all these luxuries for criminals!!! yall check out the article: MY PEOPLE What is this???? but when he get to England he going to supermax prison , check out the article below!!!!!

THE HAGUE: Sixteen months after his life of power and luxury ended in an abrupt arrest, Charles Taylor, the warlord and former president of Liberia, is living in a new cellblock on the grounds of the Men’s Penitentiary near The Hague.
Once known for his fine white suits, a swaggering style and plentiful weapons financed by trading timber and diamonds, Taylor now cooks his own food, does his dishes, reads newspapers and receives prison-issued pocket money. He is allowed to spend two hours in the yard and to work out in a gym.

He is the first African head of state to stand trial on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. If he is convicted, human rights groups say they hope that his fate could signal an end to impunity for violent dictators in Africa.

Since his trial began in June, prosecutors of the Special Court for Sierra Leone have produced about 40,000 pages to document what they call Taylor’s drive for power and its accompanying atrocities, orchestrated from Liberia while he was backing forces in Sierra Leone’s civil war. An estimated 200,000 people were killed or maimed in the fighting in Sierra Leone from 1991 to 2002.
Other crimes he is accused of in Liberia — where several hundred thousand more people died while he led a rebel army and after he became president in 1997 — are not within the mandate of this court.

Taylor theatrically fired his lawyer on the opening day of his trial. Since then he has been interviewing replacement candidates and working on his defense. Herman von Hebel, the court administrator, said Taylor had two cells, “one where he sleeps and one where he keeps his paperwork.” He has access to a computer, a television and a DVD player.
But after a life of mixing with presidents, rebels, diplomats, smugglers and a permanent coterie of aides, Taylor is feeling very isolated, said Karim Khan, his former lawyer.

Set within the high-security compound of the largest prison in the Netherlands, with close to 800 inmates, a cellblock for international prisoners was recently built for the International Criminal Court.
There, Taylor has only one fellow inmate: a Congolese militia commander, Thomas Lubanga. “They eat together, they share the common sitting room,” said Marc Dubuisson, who oversees the prison administration.
The two inmates also share a staggering specialty. According to prosecutors, both men have used thousands of child soldiers as their henchmen and indoctrinated and drugged pubescent boys to become killers and warrior-butchers who were ordered to chop off civilians’ hands, arms or other body parts. Girls were kept in the boys’ camps as cooks and sex slaves. Court officials said they did not know if the two inmates discussed such topics. Lubanga, who will be tried by the International Criminal Court here for commandeering child soldiers in the Congo, speaks French, while Taylor speaks English. “We’re arranging for some language courses, and also for computer lessons,” Dubuisson said.
“They are not convicted; we have to treat them with dignity.”

The Sierra Leone court pays $700 a day for Taylor’s confinement. Nearby, in the same compound but out of reach, is the older detention center with close to 50 Serbian, Bosnian and Croatian inmates of the UN war crimes tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.
Taylor, a man used to the powers of a wealthy warlord, has been successful at promoting his interests even in captivity. He has complained about the size and budget of his defense team, paid for by the court. Although a report by investigators for the court has put his fortune, amassed through legal and illegal activities from timber and diamond trading and other business interests, at around $450 million, he has said he has no money to pay for an adequate defense and requested legal aid. After he boycotted several court sessions, the court raised his defense budget to $70,000 a month from $45,000, von Hebel said.
Taylor’s complaints in court about the Dutch meals he was provided have also paid off. Prison employees have searched for items perhaps more suitable for the African palate.
They can buy extras with their official pocket money of €10, or $13.70, a week.

An official of the special court based in Sierra Leone observed that amenities in The Hague may seem Spartan to Taylor, but would seem luxurious to most poor West Africans. Pressed for a photo of Taylor’s quarters, the court provided one of a cell it said was like Taylor’s. It shows a private space with a sink, a toilet, shelves and a worktable.

Dubuisson conceded that “it’s not a secret that we do have high standards.” While the jail already has cable television, he said he was now arranging for a satellite dish, because Taylor and Lubanga wanted news from Africa.
The prison has set aside a private space for conjugal visits. Taylor’s wife has been to see him. And then there is the sitting room equipped with games, a cooking range and a microwave oven. Answering further questions about prison life, Dubuisson replied with certain emphasis: “Yes, yes, the men do wash their own dishes. It’s not a hotel here.”
And by 8 p.m., he said, their cell doors are locked.

The Prosecution expects to finish its case by December, and that the Defense will be done by April 2009.

Back to you…..Does anyone know why this court wants to CHAIN Mr. Taylor??

Noko4

Moses,

How is he politicizing his trial????

Noko4

Moses Benin,

The entire case is all about politics, can’t you see that? I don’t understand what you mean by Taylor should stop politicising the trial. The trial is a case of bad politics (Western control of Africans). This is not Taylor politicising but the big guns with power.

Do you see any western country citizens going to prison for war crimes; even whrn they give orders to kills thousands in Iraq or Afghanistan? Is it only Africans and Eastern Europeans who can be tried or who are guilty of war crimes?
when the same crimes or worse are committed by the west it is supposed to be justified? Why? This is selective justice and does need to be politicised by those who are conscientized. We need to open our eyes wide and understand what is going on.

Noko4,

I believe the prosecution is looking for sympathy from tye judges by floating lies about security threats. Since they are not doing too well, they are grabbing at straw.

I am glad the case is back on. Let’s engage constuctively once more

Also according to witnesses Benjamin Yeating most be brought to book,he has a lot to say on this odeal,now that he has contributed in destroying evidence ie by killing Mosquito and his family.These witch and wicked man has a lot in this stake.

Osman Barbie Fofanah.

Given your reasoning. Then President Kabbah should be on trial for war crimes also. The present witness on our Truth & Reconciliation Commission is testifying that Maxwell Coby formed LURD to attack Liberia from Sierra Leone. As you may know General Coby was the former Chief of Staff of the Sierra Leonean army. The witness Joe Wiley was a senior commander of LURD. Mr. Wiley also said that Sierra Leone hosted the dissedents in 1985 who came and tried to remove Samuel Doe from power. This failed coup lead to a witch hunting of Mano and Gio tribe who supported the attempted coup. Hundreds of their tribesmen were executed. The same Gio and Mano seeking revenge were the main fighters in Charles Taylor’s war which started in 1990. So you see Sierra Leone’s hands are far from clean in the war that engulfed the neigboring countries. Keep following the trial. ” So those who have ears will start hearing “

Helen,

So the REASON he was to be brought to court in CHAINS was because of SECURITY THREAT?? From who??? And the judges were unawared??? Including his lawyers?? I wonder who issued said ORDER when this court is the ONLY authority governing this trial??? I am glad he took a stand; this court has NEVER EVER met the likes of Mr. Taylor…..beating them at every turns.

Noko4

Osman,

You MUST not have been following the trial. Go back and read some of the transcripts as how the war started in Sierra Leone and NO, Mr. Kaba didn’t inherit a war; he was part of the war.

Noko4

Osman,
You are hearing but refuse to hear. The root causes of the war that destabilized Liberia and then Sierra Leone was caused by Sierra Leone. Read the recent accounts given at the TRC by Joe Wiley and Prince Johnson’s testimony.

Osman,

Please STOP making a FOOL of yourself. Because he didn’t arrest Sam means ????. Do you know why this COURT was set up?? Oh yes, we heard for JUSTICE but between you and I, ONE MAN and ONLY one man…..Mr. Charles Taylor. WHY??? I don’t know, but I hope he tells us when he takes the stand.

Noko4

Amen Harris.

Osman for your information somwe of us like to see true justice. We are not irrational and emotional here. We are reviewing the facts and judging the case on its merits. If you had been following the case as it unfolds and rationally analysing the facts, you would never make the reckless statement you made.

If our logical analysis of the case in your eyes make us Taylor supporters then so be it. We are logical individuals who are not biased by rethoric or subterfuge. Go on and read the past transcripts before you start throwing out insults. You are the one who is totally blind, deaf and dumb. If you truly had ears you would hear, eyes would see and intellect would understand.

Another witness that got PAID and it caught up with him. He believes he’s TOO SMART to be pin down. But what a WASTE…..I notice the black judge keeps shaking her head. Over and over he’s been told to ANSWER THE QUESTIONS….the prosecutors must be thinking whoelse on the list to save us….

Noko4

Only nine people are being punished for the carnage in SL. Taylor played a role in forming and supplying the RUF / and AFRC . He considered Sankoh his brother and Bockaire and Johhny Paul Koroma to be his sons.. so he is responsible for what happened in SL. babies got there arms chopped off. only 9 peole face justice taylor is at least 10% responsible for what happened in SL. he should be held to account for what he did , not to mention trying to invade Guinea and ivory coast

Pls don’t waste your time to spoil the people money on Taylor, because what you people are doing are all fruitless effort. At the end Taylor will be found quilty.I am saying this to say that the trail has lost its essence due to the failure of witnesses to actually explain what happened during the war in Sierra Leone.

can someone please clarify the circumstances of Sam Bockarie alias Mosquito’s death Still not quite clear what happened despite Moses Blah’s testimony ????

Somebody please shed some light??
thanks

Aki,

That’s the game plan…..dribble the case into DARKNESS and hope that no one will follow it with this OPEN and CLOSE tactic.

The scary part, ALL of these witnesses are the ones who KILLED and did the most crimes according to themselves. And they get a PASS for telling us HEARSAYS about Mr. Taylor….WHY?? And we’re told this court is seeking JUSTICE; GOD be damn!!!!

Noko4

Dele,
Don’t tell me you are sorry that Sam Bockarie was killed. Please remember when Bockarie died the indictment against Mr. Taylor was still sealed. So why would have Mr. Taylor killed his number one rebel as you believe he was ? Dele everyone was better off with this terrible Bockarie elimanated no matter what the circumstances.

To my knowledge Benjamin Yeaten has not nor will he be indicted. The Special Court tried to kidnap him in Togo but the authorites refused to let him be taken out of the country. Not sure why Togo has such a keen interest in him. Welcome Dele to the forum.

Thanks, gentlemen, he that has ears let him hear. It is said for the record that, no other Liberian is to be dragged before the Special Court. The indictment is for Mr. Taylor and others that allegely bear greater responsibilities for war crimes in Sierra Leone. Yeaten is a pupet in this case. I don’t think he has anything much to offer for or against Mr. Taylor. I’m sure Taylor witness team is not a group of HEAR SAY, but people who have knowledge of what is hidden about the war in Sierra Leone. As for the death of Sam, it said that he who live by the gun, die by the gun. So be it, no amount of facts can bring this brother to life. You better take it like that or you tell us what you know about his death.

Regards

Harris

Zobon

you couldn’t have said it better. Hail!

Zobon,
You are right about this witness TFI-585. The Defense asked her if she left in 2002. She said yes and it was after Sam Bockarie was killed. The Defense then showed her a copy of Bockarie’s autoposy report dated May 2003. Her answer ” Maybe the report date was wrontg ” What a joke ! How can the Proscecution bring forth such witnesses? This lady is just lying thru her teeth.

In our world of rediculous pretence Charles Taylor has no history of assualt. His doing was just the great work of a master in the United States playing with African intelligence as instigated in time with late president Tolbert. It was told Tolbert was facing the east but the east is facing Africa with enough support as aid and technology. War is the origin of failure and power. When power has upper hand people get killed and foolishness fall on the shoulder of the weak minded men without any investigation of the origin of power. Heard that five countries were excluded from international court. Man in immoral society has the answer and not Taylor alone.
Regards, Tony

B. Boley

So you have acknowledge that the west also sponsor war and atrocities around the globe. I believe that you are now beginning to think straight. I want to ask you these question while those leaders who sponsor those war are not on trial? 2) Are there any just war? 3)Was the no killing and amputation in these war 4)Are western sponsor war just?

Liberian fought our first war for seven years and no amputation was done. The witnesses are telling you the cause of amputation then you are stay carrying common lies. by now you should be able to understand clearly what when wrong you should be reading and understanding then stay carrying speculation. B.Boley you are part of this conservation and i expect you to understand what you read and use it as a source of discussion, then talking from you feelings

BYE ZOBON

I think every leader does things to advance his/or her interest s . So we see that playing itself out .. you said something about , is that just.. well justice is adminstered through courts and courts Mr.Zobon operate on evidence.. So it not like “what actually happened ?”the question now becomes “what can you prove?” … and we know not to pursue this line of thinking or questioning because it won’t lead to any EVIDENCE.. so we have to focus on what Taylor or anybody in a position of power was able to Control .. and what they let happen what they encouraged and supported … Within the scope of their control… It looks like he knew about “operation spare no soul” and “Operation Pay yourself” so I mean… you think all the other trials in the SCSL like the RUF trial, the AFRC trial , the CDF trials .. those guys are in their pointing finger to Taylor , making him out to be the Mastermind.. that’s evidence.. so…. umm..

Aki,
That is the truth. All of those AFRC and RUF leaders on trial in the SCSL claimed responsibility for their own actions. There was some attempt by the prosecution to get them to cut deals and implicate Taylor but it did not work out. Non of them mentioned Taylor as directing the war.

I don’t know why these people are persisting in this nonsensical trial. They keep bringing low ranking RUF people who are fabricating stories that do not add up.

Boley,

Did you read up on the RUF trials? If you had you won’t be saying that they pointed fingers at Taylor. Anyway wait and see what happens when the defence begins to defend their case. That is where the real tables will turn.

Boley,

I repeat what Helen and I said. Read the trial transcripts of the RUF and AFRC.

By the way how come your father George Boley refuses to appear at the TRC in Liberia ?

Now i know all you guys are hired by taylor i won`t say anything any more.

Osamanbarbie,

Are you in any way looking for Mr. Taylor supporters? well, let me tell you that I’m a die hard supporter of former president Taylor. I can even give out my own life for his cause. Like Zobon said, you will be even more suprise when we crow up RIA to welcome Mr. Taylor back home. Wake up from your dream we are talking about Africa real hero not shameless chicken like Boley who refused to face the facts.

HARRIS KORTU JOHNSON
VP ROAD MONROVIA

Well in the words of Barack Obama , “I love u but u r wrong “…umm Taylor is in a box ,a coup ,so whos the chicken .. cheers

you know most of the time when you hate on someone or hold a grudge you stress yourself out more then the person who you’re hating on because most of the time that person isn’t thinking about you so just stop the name calling it’s unattractivae and counter productive…. Mr.Boley ain’t even worried about you or yall and he isn’t on trial chanied and and feet.. I love Liberia .. but it’s like if you rule Liberia with an Iron hand that’s a travesty but when you start running in other people country like Guinea ,Ivory Coast, SIERRA LEONE .. people start hating you .. it’s like a bully .. how long before everybody put heads together starts to be like we need to do something about this dude

Hey Guys
Don’t mine boley his cosine Joe Wallie told the TRC hearing why cause Charles Taylor to attack Guinea,and that they the guinea back rebels attack Liberia first in an operation name as bana meet bana before this attack on guinea could take place. and these are things that Boley do have first hand information off. Don’t worried no body is coming after you nor your family and friend cause thay are less important as the word so try and speak the truth nothing to fear

BYE
ZOBON

K Swiss 211,

This is the question we want you to answer. If he and his father made so much money from Blood Diamonds. Why can’t the Courts find the money ? I think you have been watching to many Nicolas Cage movies ( Lord of War )

K Swiss 211

Yeah right ! I guess you are still hoping to find weapons of mass destruction in Iraq also.
Can’t you see this is just the reason the Prosecutor is having such a hard time in this case. You can not say Taylor profited off the war in Sierra Leone without showing proof. Stephen Rapp said they found 5 billion in American Banks. When asked to show the statements he could not and we haven’t heard a word of it since from him.

K Swiss 211

Seems you could be talking about George Bush. While the American economy has tanked he is still sending military weapons to fight the illegal war in Iraq.

Anyway K Swiss 211, welcome to the forum and keep on following the trial.

Noko4, I am highly impress with you keep it up. We are still waiting for the “overwelhming evidence” that should convict Mr. Taylor.

Bye
Gemenie Hardy

Harris,

This prosecuting team thought she was coming in to do a WHITE WASH; never did she imagine a MATCH was on her hand. At every turn, the defense beat the prosecutors at their game. I pray and hope TRUE JUSTICE will prevail!!!

Harris menh, yourself ya….from the get go based on the questions from that BLACK TOKEN on the prosecutor side, I knew the defense was going to have a FEAST. In reality, he became a DEFENSE WITNESS!!!! Mr. Manyard(sp) turned the table around…brought in FACTS that the witness could only AGREE to….look at the part that dealt with Ellen and her back doors tactic. And some wonder how did Mr. Taylor escaped the justice of the US??? Pres. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf was instrumental in getting him out!!!

I hope Mr. Taylor takes the stand and TELL ALL…..I’ve already asked my job when that time comes for me to take my LEAVE just to watch in full.

Noko4

Harris K. Johnson
I think you mentioned on the forum that you live in Liberia. If so please advise if you are able to watch the video link of the trial on the internet ? Most people in Liberia say they are having trouble accessing it. If you are able to watch it. What internet service are you using ? Thanks !

Gemenie,

You have asked some very pertinent questions that goes to the croax of the matter. Why Taylor when all the others are allowed to go scotch free? I can only answer it as follows.

The big powers want to continue to control Africa and its resources. In doing so they need passive leaders who will allow them to continue to exploit us. Then comes a Taylor who says no to the Americans and who in essence challenges the status quo or the establishment of the powerful nations. They then decide to use him as a linch pin to set an example to the rest of the African leaders so that they can fall in line.

It is all about control. They are the true bullies. We as Africans are supposed to stay in our place according to them. And God forbid anyone who dears to challenge them. That I see as the real reason why they are carrying out this farce of a trial. If they really cared about Africa, they would use this money to help the poors people who are so impoverished by their tactics over the decades.
They are accusing Taylor of syphoning off the diamonds; but lets assume for argument sake that this were true. This would only have happened in the last 7-8 years. So what happened to all the wealth that they earned before that time and after that time? who is benefiting from it? They have companies in Sierra Leone that are mining and taking the profits out of the country while the government gets pittance. That’s what they want for us to be divided so they can come in as the saviours and take the bulk of everything we have as Africans.

We are no longer stupid. Some of us see way beyond their schemes. Taylor is sacrificed as a pond to silence us so that they can come in and do what they want under the guise of helping.

Look at Liberia and Sierra Leone today, with all the socalled money they spent, how many African people benefitted? The whole thing is like a cartel and we are tjust ponds in their sick game of exploitation.

As a staunch believer in the presumption of innocence and the right of all accused to have a fair and open trial, I will ask that you all hold on to your verdicts until all the evidence have been admitted and every witness examined and cross examined. Let justice be done guys. If Mr. Taylor is guilty of these crimes, he should be held accountable for his offenses. If he’s found not guilty, he should be let to live his life free. As a Sierra Leonean and a citizen of the world, I will feel no better if Mr. Taylor is convicted due to an unfair trial than I would if he was never tried in the first place.

Defending Mr. Charles Taylor and others accused of some of the most egregious and atrocious crimes known to man is in essence defending our system of criminal justice because it ensures that all of us can be defended if ever accused of a crime. That is a cause worth fighting for. I am of the opinion that all those, regardless of their status, who perpetrate heinous and egregious crimes against humanity should be brought to justice. There should be no such thing as executive immunity when it comes to committing crimes. Also, it goes without saying that it is a violation of international customary law for anyone (or any government) to commit genocide, war crimes or other serious violations of international humanitarian law and hide behind the veil of so-called immunity.

For example, at this very moment, there are men, women and children being slaughtered, raped, assaulted, forced into modern-day slavery and forced to leave their homes in Darfur and other parts of the world. After numerous ineffective and useless resolutions passed by the U.N., the violence still continues. After each genocide, the world has said “NO MORE” After WWI, WWII, the Armenian Massacre, Stalin’s regime, Cambodia, Yugoslavia, Liberia, Rwanda and Sierra Leone, the world said “NO MORE”–BUT GUESS WHAT ALL, IT’S STILL GOING ON AND IT SICKENS ME.

More than 800,000 people lost their lives in 100 days in Rwanda while the world sat around. While people were being killed, the US govt. and the U.N. were debating on whether to term what was happening “genocide”. Then President Clinton’s failure to act is the worst failure of his administration and as a citizen of the world, I cannot understand why the world sat around and let that atrocity happen. The world and the UN could have stopped it if they wanted to. Not only did the Hutus kill the Tutsis, but the world community was complacent and was thus and accessory to the slaughter of so many lives.

The moral of the story is that the United States and other western nations seem to get involved only when they have an interest in the outcome of the dispute. Also, it is my opinion that the world community has never considered the lives of Africans as important or worth as much as the lives of the Yugoslavians, Iraqis or people from other continent. It is time for the UN to do its job and protect the citizens of the world. The UN should suspend its so-called recognition of a nation state’s sovereignty and invade that nation if the nation is committing genocide, war crimes or other basic human right violations against its own people. SIMPLY PUT, POLITICS, PROTOCOLS, CHARTERS, RESOLUTIONS, VETO POWER, DECLARATIONS, DEFINITIONS AND OTHER STUPID REASONS SHOULD NOT TRUMP THE BASIC RIGHT OF ALL HUMANS TO LIVE. The pursuit to protect human lives should trump the UN CHARTER or any other document which may be hindering a response from the international community.

I am sickened whenever I think of all the chaos in our world. As citizens of our world, it is upon all of us to stand up against injustice and fight for the right of others. Human rights are not rights that governments give their citizens; instead they are basic inalienable rights from our creator, GOD, that all of us are born with. It is our government’s job to protect those rights. Also, human rights violations anywhere is a threat to human rights everywhere. We can no longer sit around and say “I didn’t know” because information is all around us guys.

In sum, I ask you all to keep the victims of human rights abuses in your prayers; talk to your elected leaders to make human rights an important part of their election platform. Also, let’s all support the work of the ICC, ICTY, ICJ, SCSL, ICTR and the Cambodia Tribunals. They may not be perfect guys, but they are better than nothing–which is the alternative. All those calling themselves freedom fighters, who pick up arms and chose to terrorize people based on their race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sex, age or socio-economic status should be dealt with quickly and appropriately by the international community. Also, although I believe in the recognition of each nation’s sovereignty, I do not buy into the belief that sovereignty means impunity from accountability. This was one of Mr. Charles Taylor’s early arguments in front of the SCSL. He argued that as the President of Liberia, the SCSL does not have jurisdiction over him; and that as President of Liberia, he is entitled to executive immunity (his attorneys even cited the Pinochet Case). He lost on both arguments and rightfully so. He is accused of committing crimes against citizens of Sierra Leone which gives the Government of Sierra Leone jurisdiction over him. An example is a foreign national accused of conspiring to murder a citizen of the United States. That foreign national, regardless of where he may be hiding is subject to U.S.’s legal jurisdiction because the crime committed was on one of U.S.’s citizens. Therefore, Mr. Taylor’s alleged crimes are clearly within the jurisdiction of the SCSL. I can only hope that he gets a fair trial so that in the end, justice, not the prosecution or defense, would have prevailed.

Thank you all and I look forward to your comments.

Swiss,

Your thinking is the very reason WHY he will be convicted. I too believe that there’s NO WAY on Earth will Mr. Taylor see FREEDOM based on past histories but if the evidences cannot support your REASON which is based on EMOTIONS, then he should WALK OUT a FREE MAN.

From reading your last response, NOTHING said will rotate your thought and that’s sad. My advice to you is, PUT AWAY YOUR EMOTIONS AND DEAL WITH THE FRUITS OF THE CHARGES, THE MERITS OF THE EVIDENCES and THE TRUSTWORTHINESS OF THE WITNESSES.

Noko4

Hey

K swiss or swissland what ever you name is you know KAMAJORS is a traditional society that recruit young boy at the age of 8 years and up for hunting and warrior purposes. The British also have that to their knowledge. If you say that Mr Taylor is guilty of recruiting child solider then the British government also need to be charge as well because they train the Kamajors and give them specific instruction not to take any capative. With in the kamajor they had children as young as 8 and upward undergoing British military training. So i want to ask you Mr K swiss how do you call that? And if you thing i am a lier you can check these fact up for yourself on YOU TUBE they contain video documentary of British solders with CDF fighters
BYE
ZOBON

I know Bryan.. I also know you didn’t answer my question about the child soilder charge..

K swiss,

I have checked and confirm that the Komajors did use child soldiers. It is and was common practice in most civil wars for children to join and partake in the process for various reasons including self preservation, revenge, adventure, or power.
In Africa it is not uncommon for young boys and girls to be raised by an elder relative and often taking on the profession of that relative. Many young people joined with older relatives who had themselves volunteered. Do not act suprised you must know this. This is not a new phenomena. In the American civil war very young boys fought along side both the confederate and the yankees. Also during world War 1 and 11. Do your history lessons before you speak.

Hey
Helene President John F Kennedy was only sixteen during world war II wen his boat got damage in the pacific ocean. If a big boast for America he was a man of honor. In their case it is right but in Charles Taylor case it is the worst thing to do. I just want my brother to be inform before hey start making some comment
BYE
ZOBON

Swiss,

The issue here is NOT whether he had child soldiers but the FACTS….I am sure you’re following the trial….can you tell us ONE CREDIBLE EVIDENCE that has been presented so far that warrantees his conviction??? I am NOT asking for HEARSAY please….instead documents, photos, email or text message….

Noko4

It seems like the prosecution ran out of witnesses on wednesday. Why don’t they just adjourn the case andsave money?

Aki and Helen,

The same sentiment….I strongly believe they know it would be HARD to get a conviction based on the evidences they presented, so instead, they game now is to ride out and on the EMOTIONAL side of the war.

After over millions of dollars spend, we are down to EMOTIONS….and it’s called JUSTICE.

Noko4

Any thoughts on the interviews given by Prosecutor Rapp and Defense counsel Griffiths ?

Helen,
I should have been more specific. Both interviews are by Charlestaylortrial.org and posted on the home page. Just scroll down on the witness testimony sections and you will come to them posted I think on Monday October 20th.

Did anyone read the PROSECUTOR PRESS release?? http://www.sc-sl.org/Press/prosecutor-102008.pdf. I was FARTING while reading it. WHAT A JOKE. According to Prosecutor Rapp, the defense should have ACCEPTED the “SWORN TESTIMONIES” from the witnesses because they were used in the other trials. But we are now getting to know because of the defense DEMAND that those witnesses show up in the Hague for CROSS, MOST of those “SWORN TESTIMONIES” were based on HEARSAYS and LIES.

For the defense requesting that the witnesses show up in the Hague, Prosecutor Rapp calls that “HARDSHIP ON THE WITNESSES”. WHY???

Noko4

Thanks Aki.
I was able to read the interview in its entirety. I thought it was a good interview. Stephen Rapp was waffling quite a bit. He is grabbing at straw. He has the nerves to talk about international justice but makes sure to only look at what he believes to be the obvious guilt of an accused. He has not considered the possibility that there may be are other mitigating circumstances showing that an accused is not necessarily guilty. I see him trying to bring the Liberian situation into play although it is not the issue here. He is trying to show some form of commonality.

I thought that Courtnay Griffiths was brilliant. It was very interesting what he said about contacting people on the ground in Africa. It is important to hear how they feel about the amounts of money being spent in this case when victims are being abandoned. How does it ultimatelybenefit someone who is an amputee and may not be able to work. Does he think it matters so much that “Justice is Served” when the poor individual has nowhere to live of food to eat; while hundres of millions is being spent on prosecuting a case? These people need to get a life.

I believe that the interest of the people of Sierra Leone would be better served were the victims assisted with some of this money being spent rather than it going in the pockets of people like Rapp in the form of exorbitant salaries.

Did you hear him mention the possibility of maintaining a posible skeletal court even after the trials are over? He is trying to secure a job for life now. They will continue to repute the posibility of JPK being dead so as to continue to remain employed. What a shame.

side show 14,

no excuses! The outcome was a forgone conclusion with the resources the government had. FBI, UN, witnesses looking for asylum etc. All this against a Public Defender. Chuckie’s best bet is to appeal the decision if he can find the funds. I’ve been told there is a good chance the Supreme Court will find the law un constitutional which allows people to be convicted for crimes in the US that is done outside of the USA.

Hi all,

What is happening? It seems like everyone is silent about what is going on in this case. Can we please keep this conversation alive? I miss all the discussions.

This present witness is another desperate attempt to have a so called insider testify against Taylor. No luck however. I think the Trial will lively up again only when the Defense starts their case. My understanding is after the Prosecution rest their case in December. It may be another three months or so before the trial resumes with the Defense presenting their side. Can’t wait as Mr. Taylor should be the first to testify.

Sideshow 14,

You may be right that he will be found guilty. However if he is it is because the trial is about politics and not Justice. I know you yourself do not believe that the Prosecution has put on a strong case. Concerning your other allegations about him not caring about the country. A friend of mine recently returned to Liberia. He too like many thought Taylor was doing nothing for the country. So he went around asking people if they were better off under Taylor or the present government. Guess what Swiss 14, everyone he asked told him that their conditions were better off during the Taylor regime than they are now under the Ellen Sirleaf government. Think about that.

Swiss 14,

To elaborate they were all common people. My understanding most of them put it this way. ” A bag of rice cost $20 under Taylor, now the same bag of rice will cost $45 if I am lucky to find it.” Gas was $2.25 per gallon now it is $4.70″. Recently the price has come down to about $3 dollars. Remember when Taylor had economic difficulties sanctions, etc . It was people like you who said the problem was only corruption and mismanagement. Concerning teachers, they are still complaining about their salaries. Having mentioned this I must say I am a supporter of this present government. I think Ellen was the best of the candidates. However she is now seeing the problems this country faces first hand. She has to take some of the blame for advocating sanctions on the people of Liberia.

So both of yall still haven’t offered an explaination why the younger Taylor went to court with a public defender ??? So what’s up with that ??

Side Show,

The family did or does not have the money to hire a PRIVATE COUNSEL. Like the trial in the Hague, Mr. Taylor is been represented by PUBLIC COUNSEL also. What does that tell you???

Noko4

Helen,

Gross INJUSTICE!!!! To see the UN acting on the will of TWO MEMBERS, US and Britain, is beyond believe. The ONLY justice she seeks are the ones those two nations need and want.

What purpose does the BANNED LIST serves TODAY??? To ENSLAVE some people just because without been CHARGED??? And the STUPIDITY to all of this was to see Pres. Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia acting like a FOOL and a PITBULL trying to get the Liberia’s LEG to pass a LAW totally OPPOSITE to the Libeia’s Constitution because the US and Britain wanted said law to punish those on the BANNED LIST within Liberia. Even Liberia on whom the WHATEVER were committed has NO PROOF but is asked to ARREST them, WHY??? Only GOD knows….what a shame!!!

The UN claimed those folks on the BANNED LIST were put on because of Mr. Taylor. Oh well, he is NO MORE an issue since he is in dentention, so why continue such NONSENSE??? Then we hear, if they are allowed to TRAVEL, they will have access to the STOLEN MONIES. Won’t that be a COMMON SENSE tactic to know where the monies are???

Instead of the Liberian gov’t seeking JUSTICE for her citizens, nope and no, she is ADDING on to the nonsense. Has any American and British ever placed on a BANNED LIST for ASSOCIATION of any leadership by the UN??? Those two nation DO NOT respect the int’l court but want others to want trial in it…go figure.

Noko4

Namsi,

Welcome to the forum

Helen,

Prosecutor Rapp had said by the time of the December break which is this week. Their case probably will be concluded. It now looks like sometime after the break. My guess is they are trying to prolong it hoping to find some real evidence against Mr. Taylor in the next few weeks. Wishful thinking ! Look they have not even been able to show who Mr. Taylor sold all these diamonds to that were claimed to have been given to him by the RUF. How could he profit from diamonds if he did not sell them ? Looking forward to the Defense’s case when it starts next year.

In the meantime let us try to keep the forum going.

Folks,

Even the BLINDS who cannot see but can hear know NOTHING has been proven in this drama called Justice. After 80 witnesses; NO CONCRETE FACTS apart from HEARSAYS and NO DOCUMENTS linking Mr. Taylor to ANY and I repeat ANY of the CHARGES what are we down to??? The prosecutors are left DRIBBLING the ball on her side of the court just to prolong the game, isn’t that something.

We were PROMISED Mt. Evidences only to realize Mt. Evidences is a speed bump??? What a DISGRACE and DISAPPOINTMENT to mankind!!!!

Some in here think we who are WONDERING are supporters of Mr. Taylor but that’s NOT the case. I strongly believe most want JUSTICE. REAL JUSTICE and not some make shift show just to flex muscles. Like I ‘ve said before, if JUSTICE is what is sought in this trial, Mr. Taylor will WALK A FREE MAN based on what were presented in court. And I pray and hope those Justices will follow the MANDATE that was presented to them in relationship to the evidences.

Where are the diamond and the many many bank accounts that we’re told will be evidence in this case??? Witnessees telling the court statement attributed to them are NOT their words??? Witnesses been paid to LIE under oath??? Witnesses testimonies contradicting other witnesses?? Prosecutors fumbling with whatever they called evidence??

If I was on the defense team. I will suggest that we bring in less than five EXPERTS to tackle whatever scientific brought by the prosecutors and give the rest of her time to Mr. Taylor. Let him SYSTEMATICALLY tell the world ALL leaving NO STONE hidden; reminding him his LIFE is what he is on trial for.

Noko4

Hi,

The fact is Taylor is a killer and does not regard human rights of others. He stole our birth rights and sold them to other foreign parts. He thought going to Nigeria will be the end of the case. Remember, Nigeria is the seat of African brothershood and make no mistake that Taylor would have eventually be brought to justice. He was caught like a laying duck. i will not permit that to happen to me after all these years of making big mouth. Taylor can run, but he cannot hide for long time. What a shame to you him in shackles and cuffs coming back to the land he destroyed and an indictment was read to him and then back to Freetown for jail time. Taylor stole from the liberia people and ran, but came back with guns that he bought with the millions he took just to kill us all and take the country as his property. This cannot be done like that mr. taylor. Your evil time is over in liberia and your sis history. We will know how your asshole ran fro an american prison right near me. You will not be put to death as i prayed, but yours will be life behind bar with parole are 70 years. How is that sounds? pretty good. The evil that a man doeth shall followed him. Your greedy deeds had placed you where yu wanted. Taylor sold drugs in the U.S to support his lavish life style and when he got the opportunity to invade liberia and took us as hostages. He is now our hostage in the Hague. Thanks to god that taylor did not kill me. Thank god that Ellen Sirleaf et all did not kill me. Ellen Sirleaf, liberia is in a bad shape under your rulership and it is about time tat you leave too for us to live in peace and let the poor asian go back home and must stoppes exploiting our people’s resources. We do not need them any more in liberia.

Sylvester,

Please we beg you okay. Save the HISTORY for another day. This case got ZERO to do with Liberia, so please DO NOT mix up the dialogue.

Noko4

It is funny to read this “NPFL” site. I mean the witness that was just on buried the defense. he was crossed for 22 hours and nothing was damaged. He has direct line of communication between Accused and Bockarie and Bockarie to Gullit. I mean some of people on here arent really even watching case and just comment recklessly. Noko, do you even understand command responsibility? You keep talking about hearsay and yet there are so many rules where hearsay is permitted.

I can understand the politics. Many westerners should have stood trial for the years and years of raping Africa. And there were many bad leaders before this Accused. But that doesnt excuse the obvious, the suffering in Sierra Leone didnt have to go on as long as and to the level it did.

Sylvester,

If you think this present witness ” DAF” buried the Defense. Then we must be watching two different trials.

Deyo,
The Prosecution will be wrapping up their case in January 2009. Then there will probably be a break of about two months while the Defense prepares to start their case. A verdict is not expected until late 2009 early 2010. Remember there wil also be the Appeals process after the verdict. I don’t have inside info on these dates but from what I have been reading this is the time table.

Actually this does seem a bit like an NPFL website. There have been at least 10 witnesses that now link Bockarie to Freetown and about 30 linking him to Kono. All from different angles….all independent of each other. And Bockarie is hanging around Taylor’s neck. It is very hard to defend him on that point. They are stronger in this area than many of the ICTY prosecutions. When you say nothing after 1996 – what about the hundreds of arms shipments, the communications, the directions, the support, even relaying the damn messages about ECOMOG jet take off patters. I mean really, you want video tape and DNA evidence before you beleive anything against Taylor. This isnt CSI!

Some witnesses have of course been better than others. But you not even conceding that one witness is telling the truth and all are “destroyed”…well that shows your bias. The last witness was one of the best ones to have come up and he was clearly not lying.

I am also not sure why some on here are so confused about the hearsay rule. It is NOT some conspiracy against Taylor. The admissibility provisions pre-date the Special Court going back to the Yugoslavia tribunal. And they are not unusual in JUDGE trials. The concerns are of course higher in jury trials.

The one area I agree on is that others should be tried as well for the tragedy that befell the region in the 1990s including a few other leaders and some in the diamond industry.

Umm…sending arms is support. The actual standard is knew OR SHOULD HAVE KNOWN about RUF atrocities. That is why these radio operators and some others about news broadcasts were so important. And yes, association with Sam Bockarie goes to heart of case. Why cant you and some of the other NPFL on here just admit you will never view this objectively. Of course there were and will be many other figures that should stand trial for war crimes all over world. (like Donald Rumsfled) That is not the point. Life is not always fair. But that should not cloud you actually listening to the very real evidence that has been presented from so many different sources, all of whom cannot simply be “lying.”

Bundu,

Did you read the MANDATE of this Special Court??? Did you factored in the Lome Accord??? If you add BOTH to come up with a SUM…..they just don’t add up. And there is where I have a SERIOUS ISSUE.

Now to your essay; don’t get confuse as to HEARSAY. Do you think if you were on trial that HEARSAYS be the ONLY link as to the CRIMES and CHARGES??? Passing a message as to when ECOMOG jets took equalled a CRIME??? HEARSAY was NEVER NEVER part of this Special Court until Mr. Taylor’s trial. I am NOT saying DO NOT allow, but if they’re WORDS and NO WAY in getting the TRUTH then what GOODS are there???

When Prosecutor Rapp laid out the case, he told us MOUNTAINS OF EVIDENCES, SOLID AND AIR TIGHT EVIDENCES and CREDIBLE WITNESSES. To date and be FAIR, have you seen a piece of evidence that was NOT tainted??? Witnesses are telling us WORDS atributed to them are NOT theirs; witnesses contradicting each other.

What ARMOR are you talking about?? According even the prosecutors, no evidences relating to such after ’92; even witnesses are saying the same. Did you know that Sankoh purchased or was about to purchased his own arm in the tune of a million dollar???? The prosecutors knew but did their BEST to blind us of that FACT…the defense had to bring it out during CROSS…..WHY?? All sides know that UNLIMO controlled the western front of Liberia…so how were ARMS getting thru from Mr. Taylor?? Then the DIAMOND, why haven’t we seen any DIAMOND DEALERS in this trial…..who bought ALL those diamonds we heard about Mr. Taylor having in his possession??? Do you know from this trial we got to know that Europeans and Middle Easteners were digging diamond also??

Bockaire was his own…..knowing someone and what they did does not make you a CRIMINAL!!!! Do I think Mr. Taylor is GUILTY??? Yes, but the prosecutors have made me to have second thought!!!!

Noko4

Bundu,

Let’s start from the top okay…..The Lome Accord and the pardon cluase….mainly section 2. And tell me what is your UNDERSTANDING of it. Now this was witnessed by the int’l communities…..UN, EU, AU and others. If they knew that the INT’L CODE OF CONDUCT was in DIRECT OPPOSITE to the Accord, why did they sign off?? Do you know that the language of Liberia’s Accord is similar??? Why doesn’t Liberia have her Special Court??? Same CRIMES if you ask me.

“ARTICLE IX

PARDON AND AMNESTY

1. In order to bring lasting peace to Sierra Leone, the Government of Sierra Leone shall take appropriate legal steps to grant Corporal Foday Sankoh absolute and free pardon.

2. After the signing of the present Agreement, the Government of Sierra Leone shall also grant absolute and free pardon and reprieve to all combatants and collaborators in respect of anything done by them in pursuit of their objectives, up to the time of the signing of the present Agreement.

3. To consolidate the peace and promote the cause of national reconciliation, the Government of Sierra Leone shall ensure that no official or judicial action is taken against any member of the RUF/SL, ex-AFRC, ex-SLA or CDF in respect of anything done by them in pursuit of their objectives as members of those organisations, since March 1991, up to the time of the signing of the present Agreement. In addition, legislative and other measures necessary to guarantee immunity to former combatants, exiles and other persons, currently outside the country for reasons related to the armed conflict shall be adopted ensuring the full exercise of their civil and political rights, with a view to their reintegration within a framework of full legality”

Now the MANDATE of this court is/was to bring ALL to justice for SERIOUS crime(s) committed after Nov of 96. Mr. Taylor was NOT and NEVER in Sierra Leone, so how SERIOUS can his CRIMES be??? Let’s ADD and tell me if something is NOT wrong here.

HEARSAY was NOT part of any of THE TRIALS relating to Sierra Leone cases….it was allowed in later. Even the defense objected and the judge told them that it was NOW part of the RULES…..It may have been the norm of the other trials you speak of, but from the START it was NOT. My issue with the HEARSAY is, some of those that passed on the message if TRUE are DEAD….how does one seek the truth in that situation Bundu???? Is that FAIR??? In a Western Court, it will be thrown out.

Again Bundu, it’s NOT the quantity of witnesses but the QUALITY of their testimonies….if you and I passed on hearsays down the pipe and everyone picked up on it….does that make it FACTUAL??? Amd where you getting those witnesses from that are stating about ARMS from Mr Taylor into Freetown after ’93?? Even the prosecutors don’t have said EVIDENCE. Are you making up tales??? I have yet to see a witness saying that RUF received ARMS since Mr. Taylor became President of Liberia in ’97.

On your last sentence…..MAYBE.

Noko4

Watson,

He is on trial for the action in Sierra Leone; but strangely, Chuckie Taylor was handed a 97 years prison sentence for CRIMES done in Liberia and Liberia does NOT have her own Special Court to try those that WRONG her…go figure!!!!

Ellen is REFUSING to testify at TRC; a Commission she set up to get the FACTS and TRUTHS behind ALL the messes from ’79 thru ’03. Her reason according to her “YOU ALL WILL FIND THE FACTS ABOUT ME AND MY INVOLVEMENTS IN MY BOOK TO BE PUBLISH” To compound the stupidity, Liberia’s Justice Ministry is tell us she SHALL NOT testify base on Article 61 of the Constitution.

Article 61
The President shall be immune from any suits, actions or proceedings, judicial or otherwise, and from arrest, detention or other actions on account of any act done by him while President of Liberia pursuant to any provision of this Constitution or any other laws of the Republic . The President shall not, however, be immune from prosecution upon removal from office for the commission of any criminal act done while President.
_____________

Now where within that Article can we find that EXCUSE??? According to the Justice Ministry, the word “OTHERWISE” means ALL ELSE.

Noko4

I see that the conversation has really stated up in a lively fashion. Good!
I will join in by addressing Sylvester and Bundu who has accused us of all being NPFL.

Bendu and Sylvester,

I think that is so petty and immatured. First of all the fact that we are not blindly bitter and filled with hatred, but are more objective and prepared to look at the facts of the case as they unfold seem to them to make us NPFL shows the level of understanding they have of the proceedings.

It is apparent that they are somewhat confusing their hatred and dislike for Mr Taylor with the merits or lack thereof in the evidence being presented by the prosecution in this case. We and I speak for those sober minded individuals are not here to defend Mr Taylor but to examine and discuss the issues as they unfold.

I think the prosecution will have to do a lot more if they want us to believe their case. They have not as yet presented any credible witness to date and we know that they have been hustling around looking for witnesses even to date. Now if they actually did not have the kind of concrete evidence they claimed to have had why did they execute an indictment in the first place and have all the media hype that they did? They led the world to believe that there was irrefutable evidence linking Mr. Taylor to the crimes.

All we have seen thus far are low down fighters and or individuals claiming to have seen or heard things through third parties or are assuming things based on circumstances that they do not even understand. We also see arch enemies of Mr Taylor who joined with others who carried out atrocities themselves giving contradictory testimonies.

i understand you all might have your individual hatreds; however let’s be rational and not bend the rules in favour of our personal feelings. This should be a debate in which enlightened individuals discuss the issues at hand and not pass their personal dislikes and feelings on to the case.

Thank God the judges appear to be logical individuals who will not be swayed by political pressure. We hope that they will act with integrity and let justice be done. Please brothers lets contribute constructively to this debate.

I am looking forward to the end of the prosecution’s presentation so that the defence can tell their side of the story. What we need to realise, (in response to Bendu who sees Sam Bokarie as an alcatrios around Taylor’s neck)is that things are not always as they seem. Yes Bokarie was in Liberia for a time but does he know that this was with the explicit agreement of the ECOWAS and AU leaders? And does he understand that there were certain negotiations going on behind the scene at very high levels that those low down soldiers who are now testifying would not be privy to? Think about it.

Without the Defense even putting their case forward as yet. Mr. Taylor’s lawyers have already at the least shown their is reasonable doubt whether he was involved with the RUF or not. Given this fact I repeat what I have been saying for the last few months. ” If this case is about Justice and not politics. Mr. Taylor walks free after the trial. “

Many months after I first reacted to the trial of President Charles Taylor to indicate that as a Liberian I knew that Taylor never step his feet in Sierra Leone; that he never masterminded the war in Sierra Leone; that the killings of civilians, the cutting of hands all those crimes against humanity were committed out the brains of the very Sierra Leoneans themselves. To look for a scape goat from Liberia to blame for the crimes against humanity and war crimes in Sierra Leone is a ploy designed by the white diamond colonialists and leaders of the SL government who want history to look the other way. Has anybody ever come out to say that the crimes against humanity and war crimes which Sierra Leonean fighters committed in Liberia in 2003 while fighting for LURD; in 1995 while fighting for ULIMO-K; in 1985 while fighting for Thomas Quiwonkpa; were connected to the Office of the President of Sierra Leone? As was said in Taylor’s indicment from the SCSL or elsewhere, the President of Sierra Leone, Tejan Kabah and the Government of Sierra Leone are the complainants in the present case. But the Court has failed to call to hear into evidence the Hon. Tejan Kabah. What manner of man is Tejan Kabah? Did he not commit war crimes and crimes against humanity in Liberia? Because the Liberian people are silent doesn’t mean it is forgotten…he will go to the same court as Taylor one of these long days. The problems in West Africa especially in the MRU basin consists of what is called “You do me I do You” because what Taylor is charged for was what Tejan Kabah and others did to Liberia. But because we are more sensible, we did not equate such crimes to the level of their presidents but on those who led those groups to the front line in Liberia. But instead of doing that, Tejan Kabah decided to sue the President of Liberia because, as is alleged, some Liberians were fighting in Sierra Leone,etc. But did Tejan Kabah research the archives of “Africa Confidential”..(AD 1991-2006)check it out and see which Liberian warring faction is identified as supporting the war in Sierra Leone. God willing, Taylor will be a free man one of these days either in Heaven or on Earth.

I want to thank all on this forum for the lively and mostly respectful debate concerning this trial. Although we may not all have the same opinions, I want to encourage everyone to maintain respect, frank dialogue and most importantly analyze this trial by it’s merits.

I’ve been following this trial from day one and I have to say that if these transcripts are truly representative of the actual cross examination in court, then I am deeply disappointed in the Prosecution’s case to date.

Case in point, the most recent witness “journalist” Bility. After 6 years this guys true story and motivation has been exposed by the defense. I mean you can drive a MAC truck through his testimony.

With 15 or so witnesses to go, hopefully we’ll see the smoking gun we were led to believe existed

Mas,
I believe this is your first entry on the site. If so welcome to the forum. I was just wondering like most other people. Did you believe Mr. Taylor was guilty at the beginning of the trial but are now having second thoughts as the trial has progressed ?

Zobon, please do not beam Bility, but beam his situation on poverty. Bility, like other witnesses from liberia are telling all these lies because of money. The trial of Mr. Taylor is the bigest business vanture for now in the south region. If you need some cash just say you have something aganist Mr. Taylor, the special court will coming runing like a hungry dog not knowing your knowledge on the case. Bility has shown his true color to all civilized people. History will forever remember his fight against Mr. Taylor all in the name of money and power. What a shame mr. Man?

Well, I guess it is clear here the challenges that the defence is facing. It is not justice for the UN to be intimidating individuals. What a shame that after nearly si years since the demise of the Taylor regime that the UN is still maintaining a stupid Travel Ban and Asset Freeze list. WHY someone please tell me? How can they expect witnesses to come forward when the sole reason for maintaining the list is “Ongoing ties to Charles Taylor”? Is this justice when individuals’ lives are put on hold only because they have some loyalty or are related to someone who has not even been convicted of a crime?

Shame on the international justice system. Have they lost all their values and themselves gone against the very Declaration of Human Rights and the Charter of the UN? Didn’t the Declaration of Human Rights say that an individual is entitled to a fair trial and should not be punishe without due process? These individuals on the UN Travel Ban and Asset Freeze list have not been given a chance to defend themselves in a coutr of law; neither have they even been charged with a crime. They have been summarily punished without any form of recourse.

It is about time that something is done to show these institutions up for who they are. It must be shown that they cannot be saying one thing in theory but in practice doing something completely contradictory. What happened to justice and fairplay?

Well I do hope now that a new day is dawn in the US that reason will prevail and justice will finally be done. It is time that the sham is stop and let the people get on with their lives.

As for Mr. Taylor’s case, it is of the most importance that the judges take into account the fact that the UN is exercising undue pressure on potential witnesses. This needs to stop. This has gone on long enough.

In posting # 589 it looks like Prosecutor Stephen Rapp is trying to find excuses why their case against Mr. Taylor might be lost.

Charles Taylor defence team looks for evidence to exonerate him
Written by Joseph Cheeseman from the Hague
Monday, 26 January 2009
The legal team defending Charles Taylor in The Hague has gathered a group of investigators from Liberia, Sierra Leone and others outside of West Africa to comb every nook and corner for evidence that may exonerate the former Liberian leader. BBC World Service Trust reporter Joseph Cheeseman caught up with the head of Taylor’s Defense team, Courtenay Griffiths, and asked him exactly what the investigators would be looking for?
GRIFFITHS: Well, our investigators come from, in the main, Liberia and Sierra Leone, assisted by our international investigators, who are pursuing witnesses and evidence globally. So we’re trying to scour all relevant sources for evidence which we feel might be of assistance to these Judges in coming to a true verdict.

CHEESEMAN: So what will be the obligation of these investigators? What are they looking for?

GRIFFITHS: Well, they’re looking for, by way of example, records of meetings of ECOWAS, records of meetings of the UN Security Council and other United Nations bodies which may throw light on, for example, Mr. Taylor’s – we say – genuine efforts to bring peace to Sierra Leone. That’s the kind of documentary evidence they’re looking for, and they’re also looking for individuals who can speak to those events who were directly involved in brokering peace in Sierra Leone at the time.

CHEESEMAN: The Prosecution is about to close its case and you are planning. How much time do you need to plan your case?

GRIFFITHS: It’s difficult to say, because the practical considerations are these: yes, I’ve been provided by my investigators with a list of potential witnesses. But as lead counsel, I’d be failing in my responsibilities and duties to the Court and to my lay client if I were not to go down to West Africa and make an assessment of those witnesses myself, because we want to avoid the expense…

CHEESEMAN: You will be going to West Africa?

GRIFFITHS: Yes I will be going to West…

CHEESEMAN: To evaluate the…

GRIFFITHS: To evaluate the witnesses myself.

CHEESEMAN: Why is this important?

GRIFFITHS: It’s important because the last thing I want to do is to be transporting someone all the way from West Africa to The Hague, seeing that person for the first time in The Hague, and then deciding for whatever reason that we don’t want to call that individual. That would be a complete waste of time and money. I think it’s much more cost effective for me to go down to West Africa, line up these witnesses, look at them, make my assessment, and then I will have a clearer idea whether it’s worthwhile to undergo the expense of transporting them all the way to The Hague. So there’s things like that to do. We’ve also got to finalise our 98bis submission. So there are a number of practical logistical steps we need to take which could take some time. So it’s very difficult to say how much time we will need.

CHEESEMAN: How many witnesses have you identified so far?

GRIFFITHS: Well, we’ve identified a number of witnesses, but I’m anxious to cut down the number to what I feel is absolutely necessary. I don’t believe that quantity in this kind of situation is more important than quality. I think it’s the quality of the evidence that we can place before the Court which is important. And we need to bear another fact in mind. We won’t be in a position to know precisely what aspects of evidence may be relevant in the Defence case until the Judges have ruled on our 98bis motion. Say for example the Judges decide, just by way of argument, to throw out half of the counts on the indictment. Then our needs for witnesses will drastically change. So we’re very much in the Court’s hands as to what areas of evidence we will need for our Defence case.

CHEESEMAN: Your colleague Morris Anyah told some Sierra Leone Civil Society people who visited the Netherlands that the distance of the trial from West Africa is a disadvantage to Mr. Taylor’s trial rights. Do you agree?

GRIFFITHS: Yes I do agree, and it disadvantages him in a number of ways, because the local population are unable to follow what is going on in the trial. And often times, for our case, what is important is for people to actually see what is going on in the courtroom. And in the past, by way of example, we’ve received emails during the course of the testimony of certain witnesses from others who were involved in the same events saying, “That person is lying. I was there. That’s not what went on.” And because of the distance, and because of the lack of an infrastructure in that part of West Africa which allows everyone to follow the live feed on computer, it means that that kind of information gathering resource is extremely limited. We feel – this trial has no jury – but we feel the people of West Africa are Mr. Taylor’s jury.

WRITE UP

The Defense Team of Indicted Former Liberian President Charles Taylor has mandated its investigators to search the records of all ECOWAS and UN meetings held on Sierra Leone during the presidency of their client. The head of the Defense team, Courtenay Griffiths, believes the ECOWAS and UN meetings reflected the genuine efforts of the then Liberian president to broker peace in Sierra Leone.

Mr. Griffiths told the BBC World Service Trust their investigators would also speak to people who were part of efforts to bring peace to war torn Sierra Leone at the time. He said a number of witnesses have been identified in Liberia and Sierra Leone, but he wouldn’t say how many.

Mr. Griffiths said he would travel to West Africa to evaluate the number of witnesses identified so far because he does not believe in quantity but quality. The lead Defense lawyer said he would be failing his duty to Mr. Taylor if he didn’t go to West Africa to determine which witnesses would be important to their case. Mr. Griffiths said he could not state how much time the Defense team needed to prepare for its case. He said the preparation for their case was depended on the ruling of the Judges on the indictment drew up by the prosecution against Charles Taylor.

In an interview with the BBC World Trust, Mr. Griffiths, the Queen’s Counsel, said if the Judges threw out half of the counts in the indictment, then the Defense need for a large number of witnesses would drastically change. Meanwhile the Court continues in closed session.

Last Updated ( Monday, 26 January 2009 )

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Finally and at last!!! The last question asked by the defense to the witness……WHO CHOPPED OFF YOUR HANDS and the witness responded….SIERRA LEONE ARMY.

That was POWERFUL….the prosecutor’s witness telling this court in many words, Mr. Taylor got NOTHING to do with his pain.

Noko4

Mas

The court resumes on the 9th of Feb. The last witness compound with the last question and his response SEALED the case as NOT GUILTY on ALL CHARGES!!!!

What evidence presented that will lead anyone to CONVICT I will like to know for I dind’t see any.

Noko4

I mean really some of you must have been watching a different trial. There are some interesting issues related to command structure and some of the counts. But how can some of you (especially Noko) ignore the overwhelming evidence of Taylor’s connection to Bockarie and Bockarie’s connection to the crimes? The SLAs were with the RUF for much of that as well. Why do all of your posts ignore this basic fact.

You may not like the politics of this trial and all of these trials. I agree in a perfect world others like Donald Rumsfeld would also possibly stand trial for possible war crimes related to torture and violations of common article three. But just because you dont like the politics…doesnt mean you can ignore the law.

What did you expect…videos of meetings and DNA evidence? Get real. The evidence presented goes far beyond what other prosecutions have presented at the other tribunals. There will be some close calls on some issues. You make it sound like everyone just lied. 91 people just lied. Yeah…that makes sense. Is it just a coinicidence that so many wits corroborated each other on so many aspects from so many different perspectives? Did they just all make up the name Benjamin Yeaten concidentally? Come on….open your eyes man.

Bundu,

Why signaled me out???

No one regardless of their views, including you, believed what we just watched from the prosecution’s side was a PRESENTATION OF SUBSTANCE!!!. And no Bundu, I’m NOT saying ALL the witnesses LIED!!! There’re EXPERTS who told us their readings of some situations, but I can bring in another EXPERTS to read the same situations and give us different takes….so on that, A DRAW.

But we’re presented with witnesses that you yourself DID NOT, COULD NOT SHOULD NOT and WOULD NOT believe or are you telling us you BELIEVED all the witnesses??? Is that your testimony to your peer Bundu??? In my HONEST view, the LAST witness was the MOST CREDIBLE witness the prosecutor presented and to hear his FINAL WORDS to this court that it was the ARMY OF SIERRA LEONE that chopped off his arms was DAMAGING. Did you see the faces of the judges and the prosecutors???

To start, what is/was the MANDATE of this court??? No need to fool around on that….read
“It is mandated to try those who bear the greatest responsibility for serious violations of International Humanitarian Law and Sierra Leonean Law committed in the Territory of Sierra Leone since 30 November 1996″

Now let’s look at TWO KEY phrases within that mandate…..”SERIOUS VIOLATIONS and SINCE 30 NOVEMBER 1996″ From the CREDIBLE EVIDENCES if we’re coined them in that fashion, please list for us, what were Mr. Taylor’s SERIOUS VIOLATIONS SINCE NOVEMBER 30, 1996 that was presented in this case. Why you’re THINKING about that, here is another one that even some citizens of Sierra Leone are wondering about…..WHY WASN’T FORMER PRES. KEBBAH PUT ON TRIAL WHEN HIS DEPUTIES WERE???

Please HELP us out Bundu, we’re told about the MILLIONS of Mr. Taylor in various banks in the western world, was there any REASON in your mind that we didn’t see a SINGLE DEPOSIT SLIP??? Not ONE??? Where are the VIDEOS and PICTURES we’re promised Bundu??? The only pictures we saw were ones taken of Mr. Taylor in Liberia at various ceremonies….NONE IN Sierra Leone and we are to count those as CREDIBLE EVIDENCE?? Really????

Plus the COLLECTIONING and STORAGED of evidences, did you believe what you were hearing??? Was that SOUND police science?? Evidences NOT logged in, MISSING records and some of the logged ones just vanished.

We’re told of INNER CIRCLE of Mr. Taylor, remember?? Who were we presented with?? A SECURITY personel who NEVER EVER shared a glass of drink with Mr. Taylor in his entire life. Is that your understanding of the phrase “INNER CIRCLE”??? Someone who FOUGHT against Mr. Taylor in the Liberia’s theater. And WHY all the witnesses from Liberia excluding Mr. Blah were MUSLIM, MANDIGOES and belonged to ULIMO K???

Then there was Mr. Bility, MUSLIM, MANDIGOES and belonged to ULIMO K and who SMARTED himself out of CREDIBILITY; someone for whom I marched on the streets of Washington, DC for protesting his arrest by Mr. Taylor only now to TRULY know why he was been treated with IRON FIST by Mr. Taylor. A SPY he was. Do you believe he was a CREDIBLE WITNESS??? And he was a MAIN SOURCE for Amnesty Int’l and Human Watch….go figure.

The closest person was former Pres. Blah and he told this court, he NEVER EVER saw DIAMONDS with Mr. Taylor, none did he see or hear of Mr. Taylor sending ARMS to Sierra Leone in person.

For the rest of the witnesses, some parts of their testimonines sounded BELIEBABLE but their stories twisted and changed,then one has to wonder….it’s called DOUBT and the defense created the atmosphere in ALL. And if I had a say in this trial, HEARSAY was NEVER EVER going to be allowed!!!

Do I believe Mr Taylor should bear some GUILTY??? YES!!! But he a SERIOUS VIOLATOR based on the MANDATE of this court??? No!!!

But here are my facts after viewing the case thus far….
1. Mr. Taylor was NEVER EVER in Sierra Leone.
2. Mr. Taylor was NEVER EVER photographed with DIAMONDS.
3. Mr. Taylor NEVER EVER sold DIAMONDS.
4. Mr. Taylor NEVER EVER gave INSTRUCTIONS to anyone to KILL, RAPE and CAUSE harm to anyone.
5. No one KNOWS who were the GOOD, the BAD and the UGLY during the war.
6. No one saw Mr. Taylor RAPPED anyone in Sierra Leone.
7. No one saw Mr. Taylor KILLED anyone in Sierra Leone.
8. No one saw Mr. Taylor STOLE diamond out of Sierra Leone.
9. Witnesses were TAINTED
10. So much to get Mr. Taylor, prosecutor OVERLOOKED and went BEYOND some BASICS giving the defense a FREE RIDE plucking HOLES in every witness like a swiss cheese.
11. As stated by MOST of the witnesses, ARMS from Liberia to Sierra Leone STOPPED in ’93.
12. Saykoh was PURCHASING his OWN arms or was in the process after 93.
13. Mr. Taylor HELPED in brokering PEACE for Sierra Leone.
14. Mr. Taylor HELPED in releasing Ecomog and UN personels.

I REST MY CASE.

Noko4

Helen,

Even my brother who is NO fan of Mr. Taylor came up with the same conclusion about this case and if he had a say, the defense won’t call a single witness except put Mr. Taylor stand and ask to state his name, place of birth and age.

Noko4

Zobon
You could not have said it any better. What most of the Taylor’s haters do not understand is that this case is not about Liberia and neither is it about the suffering people of SL. This case is purely a political lynching of an African leader that refused to play ball with the very global financial system that has now proven to be nothing but a criminal financial empire that have duped poor and unsuspecting wealthy people all around the world.

It is time for Africans to come out and support the defense team not because of Charles Taylor but because of the cripple justice that leaves other criminal leaders in power while pretending to right the wrong of SL. How about the victims of the Liberian civil war? Why is the same international body resistant to a war crimes court for Liberia?

dat really aye’yah!!!!

Mas,

He knows this case was LOST from day 1, but to justify the MILLIONS to keep on coming to run his trial…..he’s out there PREACHING.

Did he mention anything about Mr. Taylor’s MILLIONS in the various banks in the US???

Noko4

Mas,
What did you expect the prosecution to say other than what he has said.You expect that he must pretend that he has just presented the greatest slam dunk so that what we all expect.If you don’t blow your own trumpet who will.I done about SL, but here in Liberia, doesn’t appear like he has made a case.

Gemenie,

I strongly believe even the prosecutors know that they LOST this case. Have you noticed the FAST TRACK on which Liberia’s TRC is on??? I believe if Mr. Taylor is acquitted in this case…..the US and Britain will fund a Special Court for Liberia just to lock up Mr. Taylor.

Noko4

Gemenie,

Ellen told the world about her involvement in the Liberia’s saga….what is the possibility of Liberia getting a Special Court given that some of the LEG members were warlord, former Pres. Taylor and Blah were warlord plus other personels in high places…..very slim if you ask me.

As for the Congress passing LAW to deal with the mess in Liberia, I believe it’s more leaning towards those that are citizens of the US and maybe green card holders.

Noko4

Interesting discussion. I agree that this case appears to be leaning very strongly in the interest of the defence. Rapp in the begining told us that he had irrefutable evidence to prove that Mr Taylor was guilty. Well we have seen that this was a total untruth.

Rapp is running around now looking for money in order to keep his salary coming. What a pity when countries are bailing out businesses in their economies and the average person is struggling to survive, then Rapp expects the tax payers money to go to pay for this charade. It would have been better had they saved this money and given it to the suffering victims of the wars in west Africa.

When will we Africans open up our eyes. They say they are helping us African but is this what we really want? Is this justice African style? Or is it a means of the West proividing jobs for their people while pretending to be interesting in the African plight. Is it another way of subduing us as Africans while pretending to be doing us a favour? Let’s open our eyes and wake up from our slumber.

War crimes tribunal in Liberia at this time when the country is mending will be the biggest mistakes. It will only reawaken old hatreds and plunge us back into vengefulness. I know because I lost my sister and father during the civil war. I have made my peace with it and want to move on. I would hate to have to go back and have to relive the horror of it all. When will it all end?

We need to heal our wounds and reunite African style. No more should the white man tell us how to live together as africans. Did they have a war crimes tribunal in South Africa after apathied? No; yet the most heinous crimes were committed by the white rulers. We should no longer let these people use their double standards to subjugate us and our pride. When they disgrace our leaders they disgrace us as a people. Let us not forget this. Why is it that only our leaders and those of the third world that are subject to the jurisdiction of the international tribunals? Let’s reflect on this very carefulky.

Thanks to all of you who have made this first portion of the trial an interesting experience. We await the next phase.

NoKo4 I was wondering the same thing. I think they want to hide the shame and blame it on money. Look Mr Taylor will walk a free man there are lot of indication. Let us keep the Faith.

BYE Zobon

Do you think 5 million is going to stop a court from doing it’s work, that won’t even stop a prfessional sports team from aqcuirng a player. There are alot of written evidence in this case . I will first off start by asking you distinguished gentlemen to direct 25 minutes of your time and read UN security council resolution #1343. there is no big business or stable government that would want destabilizing force like Taylor free again . EVER

Hey Mr Steven Resolution 1343

These are the lies that was written by the prosecutor, These are Allegation that was not proven in Court. You need to take you timeout to read what happen in Court then reading what was written before the trial cuz it is absolutely useless

BYE
ZOBON

Speaking to members of the media yesterday at the Sierra Leone News Agency (SLENA) building, lead Counsel for Charles Taylor Courtenay Griffiths QC said that the trial of Charles Taylor former President of Liberia is not about law or justice but it is all about politics and that there is a great deal of political will on the court to convict him.
Counsel Griffiths stated that he is not against Taylor being tried by the Special Court but that everyone is subject to the rule of law.
The trial he said is being influenced by the international donors and everyone who they put on trial either dies or are convicted.
“We are confident that truth is on our side that we will win in spite of the pressure on the other side to convict him.”
He pointed out that international justice should not be made for certain people while others go unpunished for the same crime committed as no one is calling with equal ferocity for either former President Bush or former Prime Minister Blair to stand trial for the atrocities instigated by them in Iraq.
Justice he said should be given to all be it the president of America or the Prime Minister of Britain and that of the President of Liberia.
Speaking about the transfer of the trial to The Hague the lead counsel said it “is because it is easier to destroy the rights of people when they are kept in the dark.
The majority of Africans have not got a clue about what is going on in The Hague it is time for us to shed some light on the misuse of international criminal law.”
Mr Griffiths admitted that indeed Charles Taylor provided support through training, vehicles and other means to Foday Sankoh and the RUF during the start of the conflict in Sierra Leone that is between 1991 and this aid lasted for some time but by 1992-1997 “Taylor was in no position to provide assistance as he was fighting his own battle and NPFL was kicked out of Sierra Leone.”
Speaking about the witnesses presented by the Prosecution, Courtenay Griffiths maintained that 91 witnesses were presented by them [prosecution] of which some of them were linkage and the rest were crime based, adding that at the start of the trial he told the prosecution that there was need for them to use crime based witnesses as he will not have any questions for them as his client was never present in Sierra Leone.
Griffiths stated that “the prosecution went ahead and used crime based witnesses because they want to show or tell the world about the horrible things that happened during the war and they don’t want to see that. The money they used should have been spent here to repair roads or use it for other development” he maintained. The lead counsel said that the African public needs to be informed that this is not just about Charles Taylor, this is a trial about Sierra Leone “so Sierra Leoneans must be able to decide if justice is truly being done fairly and equally to all men and women, irrespective of where they come from in the world.”
Since the prosecution has closed its case, it is expected that the defence counsel will start their case in April with the accused taking the witness stand. Courtenay Griffiths said “the witness is expected to stay in the stand for some months and they are not going to force us to close our case if since they spend 12 month for their case after they had earlier stated that they only needed six months for their case.”

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Hey Steve
You sound like you do not understand what is going on round here. You need to research and come so we can dialogue. Around here we do not speak on malice and speculation but facts and reasoning. and Mr. Taylor being on the stand for months do not means there are no other witnesses, Let me explain to you while he is expected to stay on the stand for months. My Taylor will start his case from the Genesis of the war in Liberia, that include training financing and meeting Foday sankor.And these are thing that are outside of the indictment.

The best of all we will get to know the truth from volunteer witnesses. After all Mr. Taylor want this case to be over by next year so he is willing to present his case.

Mr. Steve all good judges wait to hear before judgment, even on the day the of judgment GOD who is all knowing will ask us before passing judgment. So Mr. Anxious Steve for conviction wit till the case is over please.

And the defense never told you that they got witness problem so don’t mislead anyone
BYE
Zobon

Steve,

I don’t know where you got your info from that the Defense does not have witnesses. So far they have interviewed about 200 potential witnesses for their Defense. By the way these are true and honest people who have not had their rent paid for or their children school fees paid for the like the Prosecution witnesses.

Alright , I want you gentlemen to look at an American Federal law called the Rico Statue , it deals with CCE or Racketering or simply organized Criminal activity, aka Mafia, syndicates etc.. I cite this law in response to Noko comment that Mr. Taylor didn’t do it himself he doesn’t have to… read up then let’s draw parralells

Steve,
What is/are the “PARRELL(S)???? Is this court under the juridiction of the US Justice System or are you saying we yeild to the US LAWS??? If so, then I must tell you HEARSAYS couldn’t have been ALLOWED in such fashion in this case…..for it’s the ONLY evidence the prosecutors introduced in this case.

Now I hope this time around you answer my previous questions and the “PARRELL(s)”.

Noko4

Hey Steve

Do you know how many time the United States Government try to secure a Conviction using that same rico law and fail. Have you heard about “pretty boy flaw” do you now how many time he was taking to trial using that law and he went free, That FBI had to kill him. There is no way possible you can hold a man responsible for another man crime That while those mob always used to walk free.
About 75% of the mob that were convicted were convicted on petty crime like tax invasion braking public order and etc. And in other for Joint Criminal Enterprise (JCE) and not continuing criminal Enterprise to hold, you have to link Mr. Taylor to he RUF and this was never establish during this trial. Mr Vahum Sherriff is a crazy man it was establish during this trial. so his testimonies are useless so do not relied on it. Ziz Zag Marzah Give 2 testimonies one to the Prosecutor and the other to the court.The prosecutor had to tell the judges that those revelation were new. I told you before my brother please make research.
BYE
Zobon

point well taken Tamba, I believe that the prosecution will make a motion opposing the defense motion on thursday, Now ,Mr. Zobon , on your claim that people get off on the rico “most of the time”, that is a totally untrue statement. the US FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS A 96% conviction rates in the federal court (u saw what happened to Taylor jr.) Now u say Mr.Sherrif is not credible , well obviusly he was compotent enough to testify. One thing about the American Federal government agents that investigate Rico is they are some of the most Patient people you wil meet , if it takes them 5 or 6 years to build thier case , so be it. So while Taylor was in Calabar with bags of money , an investigation was ongoing, I would even go as far to say he was under investigation since 1999. Umm Mr.Marzah says Taylor was personaly present when a ritual was conducted where a pregnant woman was stripied naked and buried alive,and a lamb sacrificed. Now granted that this incident happened in 1996 before the scope of the indictment , it still proves that Mr.Taylor , as my political science teacher would say , “wasn’t the nicest kid on the block”.

Post #635 is from me not Awoko.org. I regret this error.

Hey Steve

who led those investigation you because those evidence are just like your understanding. You speak and write wrong thing. Taylor junior was not convicted on a RICO law the United States have Problem with that law. There Government only pass it to get hold of those Sicilian mob. In legality it is not piratical. Let me help you read this http://www.thirdamendment.com/rico.html. Go to that web address read to better understand. I told you we talk sense here. Read and understand that this is not a law but a way to get hold of your perceive enemy illegally because you can not grab them legally. America National security was at stake so this was the only way they could get hold of those mob. And i do not see that kind of trick been slide in an international brother. so please help your self or as so you can be help.

BYE
Zobon

Steve,

I believe you and Bryan Boley are the same. Both of you bring up the topic of the Rico Law. What does that have to do with this case, nothing.I would be more interested in hearing your thoughts on the Defense’s arguments for acquittal made on April 6th. You can read the summary on the home page of this website.

Steve,

This is just my point I do not accept anything you are saying as fact. Sam Bockarie was in Liberia. As a Sierra Leonenean being a member of ECOWAS he was entiltled to be in Liberia. When he was ordered arrested he resisted and was killed in the ensuing confrontation. Why do you think Sam Bockarie who is dead now had more to say then the seven RUF/AFRC leaders who went on trial. You should be asking yourselves why didn’t they ever implicate Charles Taylor in the Joint Criminal Enterprise ? They are alive and did not do it. All Presidents of ECOWAS kept in touch with Charles Taylor. Does this mean they were part of the plan. Most people in Liberia addressed Charles Taylor as Chief. Keep an open mind and watch the Defense when it starts it work.

Good after noon Mr.Aki and Mr.Zobon, very happy to see the format of your presentation.. Ummm mr. Aki. On the video on the SCSL website of the sentencing of the AFRC , The AFRC directly implicate Charles Taylor as being a facilitator. Taylor also anknowledged the AFRC and told them to reconcile with the RUF and take Kono as stated by the defense. I think it been established by independent sources that Taylor ordered Bockaire killed.so I think that could impact your conclusion .. Mr.Zobon.. The DEFENSE HAS ACKnowledged that TAYLOR PROVIDED SUPPORT TO THE RUF BUT ONLY AS THEY CLAIM FOR 18 months.. you claim NO LIMKS to RUF rebels TAYLOR started the RUF , attended camp with Sankoh in Libya, harbored them in FOYA,Liberia ask Lurd, they know..Held meetings with the AFRC / RUF to reconcile them. Moses Blah said he apologized for the Liberian invovment in the SL war. Bockaire and Sankoh knew Taylor personally so I don’t know how you define link, Let’s focus on what constitutes that word LINK , let us all focus on the word if we really want to have a discuusion that we will enjoy?? what does the word Link encompass??? Can an argument me made that all of us on this page that are talking have a link to each other????? The responsibility factor lies in the ” ability to prevent or punish a crime from being committed” I would say that the with holding of arms and logistics is an element of prevention and the supply of arms , ammo , sat phones and instructions is an exercise of volition to be envolved in a JCE.. gentlemen what does the word Link mean to you all???? because that’s where our difference in views seems to be.. I would hope that none of you if you beleived that Taylor encouraged , supported and instigated a war would want anything less than justice to be served , that’s how highly I think of you guys .. have a nice day what constitutes a link in your opinion??????

Hey Steve

I ask you to explain you idea you brought to this trial,now you asking me to explain links. In conversation we take subject at a time. So stop jumping around and focus on one topic at a time.
you brought RICO Law I took you into it for your understanding you dodge it, I provided you wit a link to inform yourself. You brought up Aristotle’s Syllogism i also enlighten you now you asking me to discuss link. if you can discuss Aristotle’s Syllogism to this case then we will talk links
if you can.

BYE
Zobon

Steve,
From your post #644 it is obvious you have not been following the trials of the Special Court. So I can not respond any further to your comments

Steve,
I withdraw my comments I made in post #648. If we all were to agree on issues this forum would be quite boring. Although I don’t think you have the facts straight when you say that in the AFRC trial it was mentioned that Charles Taylor told the AFRC rebels to attack Kono. I do agree with you that the Joint Criminal Enterprise aspect of the case maybe the toughest for the Defense. This seems to be a Catch 22 situation where anyone can be held liable for assisting the rebels. For example Ellen Sirleaf admitted she gave money to Charles Taylor’s NPFL. So she is guilty too technically for crimes committed by the rebels. Where does the buck stop. My suggestion is to wait until you hear the Defense’s case before you pass judgement.

Aki,
This very court REJECTED such……

Professor William Schabas on AFRC Decision

Special Court for Sierra Leone Rejects Joint Criminal Enterprise
Charles Taylor’s chances of an acquittal just increased significantly, a consequence of the first verdict of the Special Court for Sierra Leone. In the ‘AFRC Trial’ (Prosecutor v. Brima, Kamara and Kanu), Trial Chamber II ruled that the joint criminal enterprise (known to insiders as JCE) alleged by the Prosecutor was not one involving a crime within the jurisdiction of the Court, dismissing many charges that depended upon such a theory. Similar allegations underpin the indictment of Charles Taylor.

The indictment in Brima, Kamara and Kanu had alleged that they ‘shared a common plan, purpose or design (joint criminal enterprise) which was to take any actions necessary to gain and exercise political power and control over the territory of Sierra Leone, in particular the diamond mining areas. The natural resources of Sierra Leone, in particular the diamonds, were to be provided to persons outside Sierra Leone in return for assistance in carrying out the joint criminal enterprise.’ The indictment also said that the joint criminal enterprise involved gaining and exercising control over the population of Sierra Leone in order to prevent or minimize resistance to their geographic control, and to use members of the population to provide support to the members of the joint criminal enterprise.’

But, said the Trial Chamber, the ‘common purpose’ pleaded in the indictment is not a crime within the Special Court’s jurisdiction. The Trial Chamber referred to an earlier ruling of the Appeals Chamber, which held that ‘there is no rule against rebellion in international law’. (The Prosecutor can’t say he wasn’t warned. The same criticism of his approach to JCE appeared in my book, The UN International Criminal Tribunals, published more than a year ago by Cambridge University Press.)

The joint criminal enterprise theory of liability is not set out explicitly in the Statute of the Special Court. Its existence is the result of a rather liberal interpretation of the text. The theory originates in a judgment of the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. It is not without controversy, especially because the so-called third category of joint criminal enterprise, or JCE 3, allows the conviction of an individual for crimes committed by those who shared the common illegal purpose, even crimes that the individual did not intend.

Some critics have said that JCE means ‘just convict everyone’. Recent judgments of the ICTY Appeals Chamber reveal a lingering unease with the theory, at least among some of the judges.

JCE has certainly proven to be a very potent tool of the prosecution at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, and promised to do the same at the Special Court for Sierra Leone. But at the Yugoslavia Tribunal, prosecutors took care to allege a common purpose or joint criminal enterprise to commit ethnic cleansing, which is a form of crime against humanity and clearly a crime within the jurisdiction of the institution. Not so for the Special Court, whose prosecution team rather inexpertly alleged a joint criminal enterprise to commit something which is not a crime.

In the AFRC case, this was not fatal to the prosecution case, because it was not difficult to prove that the accused had actually committed or ordered the commission of atrocities in the capital Freetown, and in the Bombali region. They were field commanders who personally engaged in violent acts. But much of the prosecution case was rejected because with respect to atrocities committed elsewhere in the country, the charges relied upon the theory of joint criminal enterprise.

Unlike the AFRC accused, Taylor never actually set foot in Sierra Leone during the conflict and did not appear to have troops there directly under his command when the worst atrocities were committed. His involvement was much less direct than that of the AFRC leaders. Thus, the joint criminal enterprise theory is quite central to the prosecution theory in the case against Taylor. Its rejection in this first judgment potentially has devastating consequences for the prosecution.

Prof. William Schabas
National University of Ireland, Galway

Noko4

Even if Hypothetically the the AFRC JCE link was discredited it still doesn’t speak to the RUF /GOL JCE link…which is very solidly entrenched

Taylor had a parade in which he promoted Bockaire to 2 star General.2. Johhny Paul Koroma was to call Taylor if he had any problems with the RUF 3. Bockaire routinely breifed Taylor 4.When Sankoh arrested Taylor promotes Bockaire to head the Ruf. “Superior -Subortinate” role structure.. can you see where I’m going wit this ????

A criminal enterprise was operated by the former president of Liberia on trial in the Hague. It was joined to many individuals and corporations and even nations. The RUF were one of his main partners. He worked very closely with them. On one occasion, when the pressure on him got too heavy, he made a public statement that his government was breaking all ties with the RUF. How can you break ties with someone with whom you never had any?
Talking about rent and medical bills etc, paid to witnesses by the Special Court, let’s wait and see the defense witnesses. From 1990 until the pappy left for Calabar, he had supported many of his partners in crime, who helped him rape Liberia of her taxes, maritime funds, diamonds, gold, logs, rubber, and other movable assets. Benoni Urey recently admitted that the Pappy gave him a “break” and that’s how he started making his millions. So I hope it is not people who the Pappy supported during his war years and years as president who are coming to testify for him. Many people owned cars and build house in Liberia who never owned a bicycle before in their lives, due to their support, ties and involment in Taylor’s NPFL.
The charges will not be dropped because names of individuals and towns were spelled. It will be absolutely interesting to see and hear the defense witnesses. Isn’t life something else?

Steve,
Although Moses Blah was a paid witness also, he ended up helping the Defense. He said he never heard or saw Taylor give orders to any RUF nor did he see any diamonds. He mentioned the border was closed with Sierra Leone etc. Concerning the death of Bockarie. The Defense counsel showed him a sworn deposition from a worker at the funeral parlor where Bockarie’s body was taken stating it was Moses Blah’s pick up and a person from Blah’s office who took the body to the funeral parlor. Steve this trial is political in nature which is the only disadvantage Mr. Taylor faces.

Although Moses Blah was a paid witness also, he ended up helping the Defense. He said he never heard or saw Taylor give orders to any RUF nor did he see any diamonds. He mentioned the border was closed with Sierra Leone etc. Concerning the death of Bockarie. The Defense counsel showed him a sworn deposition from a worker at the funeral parlor where Bockarie’s body was taken stating it was Moses Blah’s pick up and a person from Blah’s office who took the body to the funeral parlor. this trial is political in nature which is the only disadvantage Mr. Taylor faces.

Has anyone noticed the similarities between the approved C.I.A. interrogation methods released by Barack Obama and the methods that were used by Chucky Taylor to interrogate rebels ? ie: made to stand in small spaces for long periods of time, water boarding which in Chucky Taylor’s trial it was said that he made the witnesses stand for long periods in pits filled with water. ( Same result) Last but not least the use of insects on the terrorist. I think the releasing of these memos will make it easier for Chucky Taylor to at least get a re trail or appeal.If the C.I.A. agents are not going to be prosecuted then why should any other American such as Chucky Taylor be prosecuted for similar actions. Let me have some feedback from the forum.

I hope Mr. Taylor rots in jail. He will meet Jackson Doe, Sam Dokie and the rest