Brief: Update on Charles Taylor Trial

THE HAGUE, Netherlands – The Special Court for Sierra Leone trial of former Liberian president Charles Taylor observed a recess this week, following eight weeks of testimony. The proceedings will resume March thirty-first.

In the meantime, Madam Regina Dogolea, widow of Taylor’s first Vice President Enoch Dogloea reacted to statements made during witness testimonies that suggested her husband’s death was anything but an accident. The statements by witnesses were made before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and suggested some foul play in her husbands’ death. She warned that “all those . . . using the peaceful demise of her husband as a means of defaming other characters . . . or on the basis of spreading falsehood should desist and allow his soul to rest in perfect peace.” Questions arose based on a committee that Taylor established to probe into allegations that Dogolea was beaten to death.  Madam Dogolea said her husband was sick, and as his sickness intensified, the government played its part, but that the sickness eventually killed him, refusing to acknowledge any speculation of impropriety.

In addition, Madam Dogolea spoke kindly of the support, cooperation and protection of security apparatus during her husbands tenure. Thus, she dismissed any evidence or statements that she or her husband had complained about harassment, death threats or any physical violence by security.

Taylor is accused of orchestrating atrocities during the civil war in Sierra Leone, including the murder, rape, and forced conscription of children into his army. He has pled not guilty to all charges. The 59 year old is the first former African head of state to appear before an international war crimes tribunal.

For more information, please see:

The Trial of Charles Taylor – last accessed 29 March 2008

allAfrica.com – Dogolea’s Wife Reacts to TRC Hearings – 28 March 2008