Special Court

Sierra Leone is taking bold steps in taking it’s country and people forward.

In particular the Special Court of Sierra Leone is trying to make sure justice is carried out as best as possible. (sc-sl.org)

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.

The trial of former Liberian President Charles Taylor is in the Prosecution phase at The Hague.

The Accused

Charles Ghankay Taylor, the former President of Liberia, was indicted on 7 March 2003 on a 17-count indictment for crimes against humanity, violations of Article 3 common to the Geneva Conventions and of Additional Protocol II (commonly known as war crimes), and other serious violations of international humanitarian law. The indictment was ordered kept under seal. The Prosecutor unsealed the indictment on 4 June 2003, during Taylor’s first trip out of Liberia since the signing of the indictment.

On 16 March 2006 a Judge of the Special Court approved an amended indictment reducing the number of counts to 11.

The Charges

Charles Taylor faces an 11-count indictment for crimes against humanity, violations of Article 3 Common to the Geneva Conventions and of Additional Protocol II, and other serious violations of international humanitarian law.

*1 = Crimes Against Humanity
*2 = Violation of Article 3 Common to the Geneva Conventions and of Additional Protocol II (war crimes)
*3 = Other serious violation of international humanitarian law

Terrorizing the civilian population and collective punishments

1. Acts of terrorism. *2

Unlawful killings

2. Murder *1
3. Violence to life, health and physical or mental well-being of persons, in particular murder *2

Sexual violence

4. Rape *1
5. Sexual slavery and any other form of sexual violence *1
6. Outrages upon personal dignity *2

Physical violence

7. Violence to life, health and physical or mental well-being of persons, in particular cruel treatment *2
8. Other inhumane acts *1

Use of child soldiers

9. Conscripting or enlisting children under the age of 15 years into armed forces or groups, or using them to participate actively in hostilities *3

Abductions and forced labour

10. Enslavement *1

Looting 

11. Pillage *2

The Taylor trial proceedings are streamed over the internet, and can be seen at Hague Link 1 and Hague Link 2

Great credit has to be paid to the Sierra Leone Government and bravery of the courts and judges in their pursuit of justice and democracy for their country.