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Subscribe to RSSThe International Criminal Court at the Hague has found former Liberian President Charles Taylor guilty of aiding and abetting war crimes and crimes against humanity by supporting brutal rebels responsible for countless atrocities in the 1991-2002 Sierra Leone civil war. ITV's Paul Brand reports.
Updated at 8:01 a.m. ET: THE HAGUE -- In a historic ruling, a U.N.-backed court on Thursday convicted ex-Liberian President Charles Taylor of war crimes during a conflict that left 50,000 dead.
Taylor, 64, was charged with murder, rape, conscripting child soldiers and sexual slavery during intertwined wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone. However, the court found him guilty of only some of the charges.
Taylor is the first head of state convicted by an international court since the post-World War II Nuremberg military tribunal.
The tribunal found Taylor guilty of aiding and abetting war crimes and crimes against humanity by supporting notoriously brutal rebels in return for "blood diamonds."
Presiding Judge Richard Lussick said the warlord-turned-president provided arms, ammunition, communications equipment and planning to rebels responsible for countless atrocities in the 1991-2002 Sierra Leone civil war. Lussick called the support "sustained and significant."
Echoes of a war: A journey around Sierra Leone
Taylor stood and showed no emotion as Lussick delivered the guilty verdicts at the Special Court for Sierra Leone.
While judges convicted him of aiding and abetting atrocities by rebels, they cleared him of direct command responsibility, saying he had no direct control over the rebels he supported.
Lussick scheduled a sentencing hearing for May 16 and said sentence would be passed two weeks later.
The Associated Press reported that thousands celebrated in Sierra Leone after learning that Taylor had been convicted. Countless survivors of the civil war bear emotional and physical scars from the war. Rebels hacked off the limbs of many of their victims.
Human rights advocates say the case is a reminder that even the most powerful do not enjoy impunity.
Taylor, who was president of Liberia from 1997 to 2003, was accused of backing and giving orders to Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebels in the 11-year civil war in neighboring Sierra Leone.
'Murder and mayhem'
The prosecution alleged the RUF undermined a ceasefire agreement in 1999, prolonging the war for another three years, and that Taylor financed their war effort with the proceeds of "blood diamonds" mined illegally in Sierra Leone.
"The Taylor verdict is a watershed moment," Richard Dekker, head of the international justice program at Human Rights Watch, said before the tribunal announced its decision. "As president, Taylor is believed to have been responsible for so much murder and mayhem which unfolded in Sierra Leone. His was a shadow that loomed across the region, in the Ivory Coast, in Sierra Leone and Liberia."
Issouf Sanogo / AFP - Getty Images, file
A young Revolutionary United Front (RUF) fighter poses near Freetown, Sierra Leone, on May 25, 1997.
Taylor denied all of the charges.
The crimes of the RUF were not in doubt. Courts have earlier convicted RUF fighters of crimes against humanity, including rape, torture and terrorism.
Civilians were mutilated during the conflict, their arms being cut off above the hand (known by fighters as "long sleeves") or above the elbow ("short sleeves").
Pregnant women shot
Trial witnesses described seeing children and pregnant women being shot, disemboweled or mutilated in a process aimed at creating terror in the civilian population.
But the challenge was to link Taylor to these crimes.
"The accused never set foot in Sierra Leone when these crimes were being committed. He never directly, physically committed these crimes," Brenda Hollis, the court's chief prosecutor, told Reuters before the verdict.
"In a domestic case, you have to prove there was a murder, we have the added level of proving linkage."
This was the reason the supermodel Naomi Campbell was summoned to give testimony to the court in 2010.
Naomi Campbell delivered potentially critical evidence against former president of Liberia, Charles Taylor when she revealed he sent her a bag of rough diamonds after a dinner more than 10 years ago. NBC's Martin Fletcher discusses how this can affect the trial of a man who once denied ever dealing with the gemstone.
The prosecution alleged Taylor had sent uncut diamonds to her hotel room after a dinner given by former South African president Nelson Mandela, attended by both her and Taylor. She told the court she had no idea who had sent her the diamonds, which she called "dirty little pebbles."
Taylor is likely to appeal, meaning the trial could easily last for another six months.
Into the jungle on the hunt for Joseph Kony
Taylor is expected to serve time in a British maximum security prison. That will contrast sharply with the comparatively luxurious life Taylor enjoys in detention in The Hague. His case was moved there because of fears that his security could not be guaranteed in Sierra Leone.
In The Hague, Taylor has been free to mix with his fellow inmates and he has maintained "cordial" relations with his old enemy Laurent Gbagbo, the former Ivory Coast leader who faces charges of crimes against humanity.
Taylor has also been known to cook and compare defense briefs with Congolese warlord Thomas Lubanga Dyilo.
As he awaited the verdict, he immersed himself in study of the Jewish faith, to which he converted before arriving in The Hague. He has regular visits from a rabbi and does not receive his lawyers on the Sabbath.
The Associated Press, Reuters and msnbc.com staff contributed to this report.
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next should be Bush Cheney and Rumsfield along with Alberto Gonzales
Need to add BO to the list as well. Not only for war crimes but for crimes against his own(possibly not) country. Treason would be on the list as well. Or do we have to wait till he is out of office latter this year?
Miss your meds?
Well, the kooks and blog-bandits are out in force, ready to hijack unrelated threads and turn them to their favorite, delusional subject.
I'm no fan of either Bush or Cheney, but neither will ever be tried in an international court of law, nor should they be.
As to Barack Obama, be serious, Keldon.
Cheers for Charles Taylor finally getting almost what he deserves, meaning prison. What he deserves is a very ugly, and very public death.
An eye for an eye... Long sleeves first, then short sleeves... Then disembowelment.
Kelldon"thanks for including your birther mania in your post- it's like putting on donkey eqars and a big red clown nose - thus saving everyone the trouble of actuallly reading what you post. I fully expect to enjoy four more years of sane responsible governance after the President is reeelcted. If that doesn't please you, at leat you have your clown nose and donkey ears!!!!!!Kenyan!!!!!Moooselem!!!!!!!!Jebediah Wreight!!!!~!
Beat me to the punch. George Bush's invasion of Iraq was based on his ego, which he passed off as a WMD threat, which he knew was a lie, and it resulted in many more than 50,000 killed.
Keldon, I appreciate yor enthusiasm, but I think the BO is on your person, and that is a crime against humanity. Take a shower, you stink.
Poor Keldon... hopefully you'll be among the first to hang yourself from the bridge when your Last Hope - Vulture Capitalist (Mittens) is handed the overwhelming land-slide loss that's coming for him. After all, you've lost The Paragon of Virtue (Newt), and have nothing else to offer.
And yes, I too look forward to the trial of W. - though there were some WMD's involved (Words of Mass Delusion, Widespread Media Deception), they all came direct from the Oval Office.
Expat7,
Ever wonder why you don't see Bush in the news these days? Hiding is best for him.
The next tyrant might well be charged could be this President, INMHO. At least if we can use projections in the number of deaths attributed to him just in abortions alone. Old people are next with his Obamacare is not vetoed. Look at the plans for 2013 (after the election of course), see how those 70 and over are to be denied certain procedures, as determined by a federal panel. Nanci Pelosi told us, we must pass the Abomanation Healthcare to see what's in it.
groan ....
you not liking a war does not make it a crime
I get a kick out of the mental midgets who bring up Bush and Cheney every time the term 'war crimes' are brought up. It seems that's all their limited mental capacity can come up with.
So lets do it. But remember, if we do this, then we will have to go all the way.
"No one has done what Saddam Hussein has done, or is thinking of doing. He is producing weapons of mass destruction, and he is qualitatively and quantitatively different from other dictators."
-Madeleine Albright, President Clinton's Secretary of State
"In the four years since the inspectors left, intelligence reports show that Saddam Hussein has worked to rebuild his chemical and biological weapons stock, his missile delivery capability, and his nuclear program. He has also given aid, comfort, and sanctuary to terrorists, including Al Qaeda members...
It is clear, however, that if left unchecked, Saddam Hussein will continue to increase his capacity to wage biological and chemical warfare, and will keep trying to develop nuclear weapons. Should he succeed in that endeavor, he could alter the political and security landscape of the Middle East, which as we know all too well, effects American security.
This is a very difficult vote, this is probably the hardest decision I've ever had to make. Any vote that might lead to war should be hard, but I cast it with conviction."
-Senator Hillary Clinton (Democrat, New York)
"Imagine the consequences if Saddam fails to comply and we fail to act. Saddam will be emboldened, believing the international community has lost its will. He will rebuild his arsenal of weapons of mass destruction. And some day, some way, I am certain, he will use that arsenal again, as he has ten times since 1983."
-Sandy Berger, President Clinton's National Security Advisor
"As a member of the House Intelligence Committee, I am keenly aware that the proliferation of chemical and biological weapons is an issue of grave importance to all nations. Saddam Hussein has been engaged in the development of weapons of mass destruction technology which is a threat to countries in the region and he has made a mockery of the weapons inspection process."
-Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi (Democrat, California)
"We stopped the fighting [in 1991] on an agreement that Iraq would take steps to assure the world that it would not engage in further aggression and that it would destroy its weapons of mass destruction. It has refused to take those steps. That refusal constitutes a breach of the armistice which renders it void and justifies resumption of the armed conflict."
-Senator Harry Reid (Democrat, Nevada)
The list goes on and on. Including some quotes by the current Commander In Chief. Give it a rest.
question to all.
I need some help in trying to understand the so-called right wing psyche. I live in NC. As most are probably aware, NC is a red state. What I have noticed (and I have lived in VA as well), is that there are a lot of right-wingers (and proudly so) that live of entitlements. These are the people that benefit the most from the nanny state, yet they vote against their own best interests!!! They support the TP/right wing call for slashes to entitlement spending, etc. AND support tax cuts to the richest, the Ryan plan. Case in point - there is this couple that are neighbors of a friend. They were Newt supporters and will most probably support Romney now. He has been on disability for most of his adult life - work related injury. She is in and out of work. They have 4 kids and have been on and off the government teat. These people owe their very existence to entitlement programs, yet they call for cuts to these programs.
In speaking to friends, we have noticed that there is quite a bit of this 'hypocrisy' out there. Read an article last night that was forwarded to me. Apparently some journalist went to a TP rally and stated that by his observation about 25% of the attendees looked like they were on some form of social assistance.
Could some-one please provide some analysis on this?
Pat,
While I cant speak for everyone, I do feel somewhat qualified to discuss this. I was raised with a lot of help from government assistance. WIC, Food Stamps, Welfare, etc. And while there will always be a certain percentage of people on both sides of the aisle who are content to live their lives on the government 'teat' as you put it....many of them just want opportunities to make their own way.
I have heard the argument of people voting against their own self interest. I really dont buy it. I grew up in a 'red' state. Joined the Army right out of high school and recently retired after 21 years. I got to see many parts of this country and of the world. People (that I met) primarily want opportunities, not a handout. My upbringing, in my opinion, wasnt too far to the right or left. My parents talked to me about the pluses and minuses of both parties. They both worked hard when they could find work and were able to work, and it pained them (in my opinion) to have to take the assistance.
I guess with all of my blabbering, my bottom line is that I think people generally want to work. While the Democratic party seems to want to make the government responsible and the Republicans want the market to fend for itself (atleast thats what the headlines tell us).
I am also curious how a reporter can go to a rally and 'spot' people on government assistance. Have you never been to a grocery store and see someone pull out their foodstamp card while wearing designer clothes? Or meet someone who almost looks homeless only to find out later they are actually very well off?
Time to convict Bush for war crimes.
Once again, another mental midgets comment right above here. Take your meds and learn some history.
Oh, that war criminal. When I saw the headline I was sure they were referring to "W" and his babysitter.
Check your history. This is what happens when you give freed slaves their own country.
denverbill2 & JohnSmith are two of many racist scum that just can't get over the south literally getting their arse kicked. Denver bill2 you are too stupid for words, but let me try to communicate to you, it was their country to begin with, and this is what happen when you other countries(Europe, Israel no surprise) that are not being convicted as this POS introduce greed to a poor country. As far as JohnSmith you thought it was Oakland what an ignoramus, you are, you POS and like minded POS are what keeps this country separated. Your racist and bigot mentality is what keep race hustler like Jesse and AL in business. If it wasn't for racist scumbag like your self adding fuel to the fire, there would be no need, but I get a great amount of satisfaction knowing that those guys, gets your panties in a bunch when they speak. lol
nothingnewhere was your witty humor, when bosnia was killing each other whole sell, WOW sound the trumpet you hipocrite.
Gee, Marvin Young, why don't you tell me what you really think.
He could have just stated he was carrying on African culture traditions. He would have centuries of proof to back it up! If things aren't changed, you may soon find we are subject to the same horrors in our own country.
Yep centuries. 1.5 of them to be exact. Wonder what happened?
You know, the more I think about it, I'd rather know there are bigots than think there aren't.
"Human rights advocates say the case is a reminder that even the most powerful do not enjoy impunity."
People with a passing knowledge of English would say that "impunity" and "immunity" are not quite the same thing.
New copy editor, please!
Yeah, I think exemption from punishment is ok. But, immunity may have worked, had there even a conspiracy to prevent punishment.
"Impunity" is the appropriate word there. It means "exemption from punishment or loss or escape from fines."
Before I read the story and just saw the picture of the kid with the helmet and rocket launcher, I thought the story was about Oakland.
This is a good thing, a strong signal against a legal impunity of dictators.
Private Investigations and Competitive Intelligence
Liberia was a country created by the US. After the slaves were freed, some US citizens with the support of the government went to Africa and set up a USA style of government. The purpose was for the freed slaves to return there. However they couldnt afford too. And some just didnt want to go back.
@Paul Actually in 1820 groups of slaves with the financial support of the private American Colonization Society carved out a settlement in a region that had existed for millennium. This settlement later in 1847 became known as the Republic of Liberia. Congress provided $100,00 to the group in 1819 after three years of pressure from the ACS
rightthewrong
Well, I guess we can see how successful that was. With that in mind why are people still saying that they are owed because of what may or may not have happened to thier ancestors? Mine date to the time of the Trail of Tears yet I expect to take care of myself.
Yours date to a time well before the Trail of Tears. And its interesting that in one breath you denounce the forces that destroyed your people (from whom I also claim part of my ancestry) while celebrating those same forces for doing the same thing to my people. Conflicted much?
Shakingyourhead..... your people were weak, the slaves had no need to follow your faith. While slaves created schools, colleges and universities (120 of them), it was your people that fell short. The hard work of the slaves built the economy you enjoy today. Inspite of that determination all the minorities (?) were treated unfair. By the 1960's, it was the cry for freedom of the ex-slaves and others that freed countries around the world. If that is not powerful, then stop enjoying your freedom, in your own land.
WHEN did I vote to be associated with a WORLD court or a part of the UN? Better yet, when did you? There is no such thing as The United States of America, anymore.
The United States of America is now America Corporation, Inc. The renaming is just a formality at this point.
28 U.S.C. § 3002 : US Code - Section 3002:
(A) a Federal corporation;
(B) an agency, department, commission, board, or other entity of the United States; or
(C) an instrumentality of the United States.
Freddy,
If we keep this administration after November you will end up being correct. That is one of the goals, to wipe out our Constitution, take power and develop one world order, so the next job to campaign for can be the Supreme leader of the world.
Shaking your head.....The only thing that can destroy the constitution is weak citizens. Fault yourself for, not knowing enough about the world you wish to be the leader of. Weak citizens destroy nations, not documents. Learning that there is a larger world, that is learning about you is the problem. Thinking that no one else can do the same, makes your own existence useless. What happens in other nations do affect your own existence. To blame others with a limited concept of your own world just do not do it theses days.
Ironic that Liberia was the space carved out so that grievously wronged Americans held in slavery had a place to go if they chose to return to Africa.
Instead of "liberty", more black on black crime ensued.
Wonderful !!
Sounds like Baltimore.
Sounds like every major city in America. And it is getting worse, prodded on by Obama, Al, and Jesse.
Yep, I would like to go back, sure, like going to Detroit!
That sums it up then.
It is better for you here.
When is George Bush's trial?
When you can find a crime!
Dasvet The crime is the Iranian War
Will the Clintons/Gore/dem congressmen be accessories to the crime. ?????the Iranian war????? Has Bush invaded Iran since he left office? Please try to keep up.
Next should be MUGABE of Zimbabwe, where he was responsible for more than 20.000 Ndebeles...called the gakrunbdi where and still today he is murdering his own people in order for him to avoid the Hague, so he refuses to step down he is 88yrs old...
Wait, didn't we skip over Kony?
Or has his atrocities been over shadowed, by a naked man in California.
Actually, Sterngaard, "impunity" is used correctly. A "passing knowledge of English" does not suffice.
That continent has had some REALLY SICK despot rulers.
Charles Taylor is without doubt, the personification of evil. The immense pain and suffering he caused, which was great indeed, is nothing compared to what awaits him in the next world.
"It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin." Luke 17:2
May the Lord our God bless the unfortunate victims of Taylor's evil and may they find peace through him our savior.
Only 50,000 dead? Please don't tell us about war crimes and other leaders till we can talk about our own. I am not speaking in favor of Taylor Trash, but until we set up a trial for Bush & Cheney, we should not be allowed to have a say!
Who's we? ........Oh you are talking about America ? "We" have gone to war ...yes on numerous occasions in defense of our freedoms and interests. " We " do NOT go around purposefully murdering and torturing innocents. No comparison.
Hmmmm...I wonder what Pat Robertson is thinking about the conviction of that good "Christian, Baptist president..." whom he supported?
Well you got one thing right. "in defense of our interests". Tell me, please, what "interest' we have in another country's resources that would cause us to go to war? And could such a war be classified as "defensive"?
And can we put the 'freedoms' thing to rest? Its 2012 and people still believe that?
Bilal........I also question our motives at times. But we are not the only nation to have gone to war over resources, territory and so on .....As for Freedom ? Yes.....I still believe in Freedom..... and I still believe that we (The US) are a shining example of what it means to be a free, liberated society. Free from tyranny and oppression . You see... some do not appreciate what it is to be free until it is taken from them. Many people have died for the liberties we enjoy.....and we can never repay them for their sacrifice. The people who died in this struggle .....if not remembered will have died in vain. Freedom is never free .
ICC, Good Job, again! Keep on Going!
This is war nothing more 20 different leaders are fighing over the same resources. The only thing not known is why China/US/Iran/UK all have helped to place some of those leaders and what resources are they trading for arms. Also no one calls the civil war white on white crime or The indian war white on indian crime. WWI and WWII...etc Just cause their black doesn't mean they don't have the same war crimes. Also any POTUS would plan for US intrests first. If you think the US hasn't done it's share of war crimes then you don't know your country. I'm good with the US's hand in world policy, I understand that there are winners and losers I just want to be on the right side (Winning)
@ bruce merrell you make a valid point, but you seem to just missed the Holocaust that was committed by Africa Chief's greed (still going on today), Europe, and Muslim war on African people (from different tribes) brought to this country to make it so great, how ironic. The USA has committed or had a hand in starting a lot of these war crimes, but you don't see none of these other countries leader, being incarcerated.smh Even on the international level the real scumbags get away with doing crime.
Charles Taylor, Blood Diamonds & Islamic Socialism
Libyan Arab-Republic's trained[1] and monitored Charles Taylor with his blood-diamond atrocities[2], and the RUF were influenced 'students' of Islamic Socialism of Qaddafi and his mixture of: Arabist-Islamist-socialism 'Green Book.'[3]
Merchant of death the former Hezbollah Mr. Bah, was also the high ranking general and Charles Taylor's personal confidant.[4]
____
Notes:
[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
I usually dont rant and rave about religion but in all sense let the first non-sinner cast the first stone. He may have been an evil guy and did things that are on Hitlers level but not one person nor myself have not commited evil acts either. I am glad he is getting what he deserves but there are greater evils out there that are not seen on TV or heard about on the news. Some of them are here in our own nation. Forget Bush and Obama, the real evil is the ones pulling the strings.
I can't believe Converse decided to name their most popular shoe after this guy.
Only 4 years to prosecute crimes for killing 50,000 human beings....?
....The UN is really getting efficient and relevant to world problems...................[SARCASM]
Seriously.... Im glad our dues go to pay for all of this...
If Obama had a Liberian Ex President cousin he would look just Charles Taylor....
Because the President of the United States is black? Or because you think all black people look alike? Or perhaps both?
Thank you for your dubious contribution.
Clothy, nope just 2 pieces of dung...turds of a feather yanno. You should know as the pathetic LIEberal sock puppet that you are ...be careful when your man Obama pulls his hand out, actually you will probably enjoy it! Should you not be out spending other peoples money and being hypocritical and stuff?
Last time I checked liberals aren't the ones taking up most of the tax payers money. I see more repubs taking up other peoples money everyday where I am and they call the liberals greedy little pigs. Last time I checked though was about four or five years ago so I'm probably right by saying both republicans and Democrats are as greedy as a homeless man with food.
they absolutely are but I have never ever heard a "dead right" LIEberal admit it, most if not all Republicans I know feel that the Bush administration made tons of mistakes...all the Dems I know blame everything on others and defend EVERY SINGLE ACTION that the Clintons and Obama made or will make as the only possible option. I'm really just sick of all of it! I think we all should pay our fair share and quite pouring money down empty holes.
Please stop misspelling liberal. And Now you know why I'm not part of any political race btown. Literally a step forward and yet four steps behind.
Wow .......The UN finally did something of substance......Finally.
A 4 year trial? Thousands of Charles Taylor's victims must feel that justice so long delayed has been denied.
Can we do justice for the Iraqi people by bringing George Bush to justice for killing innocent Iraqis that had nothing to do with 911? Well, where is the WMD? Why isn't the United States a signatory member of the ICC for crying out loud about justice?
If you want to prosecute Bush and Cheney, you'll have to dig up LBJ for his crimes for the Viet Nam war he promoted. He killed a lot more people, and did a lot more damage to America than any enemy we have ever had.
He should go to jail for those awful basketball shoes amed after him