The
trial of former President, Charles Taylor has been set in the interim to the 2nd of April, 2007. Mr. Taylor faces trial in The Hague by the special court for Sierra Leon for backing a civil war that lasted about ten years. He is accused as playing a central role, as he provided logistics and weapons for Sierra Leon’s Revolutionary United Front rebels who were brutal by mutilating civilians, by hacking off their arms and legs. The trial was moved from Sierra Leon and Liberia to prevent any conflicts of interest.Some people in and around Sierra Leon and Liberia, however feel that the courts have been unduly delayed. They are of the
view that by February of next
year, Mr. Taylor would have been
jail for a year and his being held would be an inordinate delay. Mr. Taylor was brought to The Hague after being arrested in Nigeria earlier this year.The
defense lawyer for Mr. Taylor, Mr. Karim Khan is of the view however that it will be improbable that he will have prepared for the defense of his client. He further said that hurrying to satisfy public opinion is unfair and unnecessary and it has the potential of creating a grave injustice.Mr. Taylor has been accused of eleven counts of war crimes and he has pleaded not
guilty. He faces up to a life sentence if found guilty. The United Kingdom has also agreed to jail him if he is found guilty.
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