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STORY: UN / CHARLES TAYLOR APPEAL
TRT: 00:54
SOURCE: UNMIL
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGE: NATS
DATELINE: FILE
FILE – UNMIL – 29 MARCH 2006, SIERRA LEONE
1. Wide shot, tarmac
2. Med shot, Charles Taylor being escorted by police to a helicopter
3. Various shots, Charles Taylor inside helicopter
4. Med shot, Taylor being escorted off aircraft
Judges at the Special Court in Sierra Leone (SCSL) today (26 Sept) upheld the conviction of former Liberian President Charles Taylor for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The 65-year-old was convicted in April 2012 on 11 counts for crimes committed during Sierra Leone’s decade-long civil war and subsequently sentenced to 50 years in prison.
This is the final judgment at the court. A total of 22 people have been indicted in the SCSL. Thirteen are serving their sentences, four have finished their sentences, one has been acquitted, and three died before end of proceedings against them. Johnny Paul Koroma is a fugitive, though he is believed to be dead.
The Secretary-General welcomed today’s judgment calling it a “momentous” day for the people of Sierra Leone and the region. “The judgment is a significant milestone in international criminal justice, as it confirms the conviction of a former Head of State for aiding, abetting and planning war crimes and crimes against humanity.”
The Court will close its doors before the end of 2013, and will be immediately replaced by the Residual Special Court. A primary function of the Residual Special Court will be the continued protection and support of Special Court witnesses and individuals at risk on account of testimony. It will respond robustly and effectively to any reports of interference with, or harassment of, witnesses.
