Charles Taylor found guilty of international crimes committed in Sierra Leone

26/04/2012
Press release
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Today, the Special Court for Sierra Leone found Charles Taylor guilty of crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in Sierra Leone, while he was President of Liberia. He was found criminally responsible for international crimes, including crimes of rape, sexual slavery, as well as conscription, enlistment and active use in hostilities of children under the age of 15. The decision on his sentence is expected be delivered on 30 May 2012.

"We welcome today’s judgement against a former head of State for crimes committed during a conflict that resulted in over 100 000 victims. We hope this judgement, a landmark decision in the fight against impunity of perpetrators of massive human rights violations, will contribute to the consolidation of peace in this country, that is still tending to the wounds of the atrocities perpetrated against civilian population, but also in the region", said Sidiki Kaba, FIDH Honorary President.

The Special Court for Sierra Leone is a hybrid tribunal with a national and international component in its statute and composition, established in 2002 to judge those who bear the greatest responsibility for the crimes committed during the civil war in Sierra Leone. The Tribunal has its seat in Freetown, Sierra Leone, but, for security reasons, Charles Taylor’s trial took place in The Hague.

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