Update on Charles Taylor Trial

By Ted Townsend
Impunity Watch Reporter, Africa

THE HAGUE, Netherlands – The Trial of Charles Taylor continued into its fifth month, with the direct and cross examination of prosecution witness TF1-388, former Revolutionary United Front (RUF) Military Policeman Jaward Jabati. The witness testified over the course of five days as to the scope of investigations conducted by his MP unit.

According to Jabati, certain RUF commanders were accused of “conniving with the enemy” and the witness’ unit was ordered to investigate. However, the investigations were cut short,  when many of those investigated were then killed by notable RUF commanders Issa Sesay and Mosquito, including Foday Sankoh’s girlfriend. According to the witness, Sankoh himself ordered the executions of the commanders, many of whom were tortured to death and had hot oil thrown on them. Others were beheaded.

The witness also spoke about a top 20 operation which was a battle between Sierra Leone and Liberian Groups of the RUF. During the operation, many civilians were killed, including his own grandmother.

In 1999, the witness left the RUF with RUF commander Sam Bockarie and fled to Liberia. Many civilians apparently fled along with Bockarie, who left over differences and misunderstandings with Sankoh. Later in his testimony, the witness described how he was arrested to be executed. Some RUF members freed him, and told Jabati that they had killed Sam Bockarie, his wife, and all soldiers who were with him. The order to execute all those with Bockarie came directly from Charles Taylor himself, according to the witness.

Outside of the courtroom this week, Chief Prosecutor Stephen Rapp gave a public statement regarding the progress of the trial, noting that many consider the court a “model for international justice.” Rapp said that "it shows that the trial of a former chief of State can be conducted openly and fairly and we're very proud to date of the progress that's been made.” He made special mention of the fifty nine witnesses testifying against Taylor, most of which were insiders to Taylor’s reign and all of whom are providing evidence against him.

Further, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir  joined Taylor as the second African leader to be indicted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court. Al-Bashir has been accused of masterminding atrocities in Darfur, including rape and human rights violations.

For more information, please see:

allAfrica.com – Examination in Chief of Witness TF1-388 Jabati Jaward Concludes – 15 July 2008

China View – UN Court prosecutor notes progress made on trial of former Liberian President – 15 July 2008

The Trial of Charles Taylor - last accessed 15 July 2008

Associated Press – Sudanese President Charged with Genocide in Darfur – 14 July 2008