'Taylor Must Die'

Funny how Charles Taylor's hope for a twist in the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone's 50 years sentence, brought against him on 26 April 2012, was quashed by the court's Appeal Chamber on Thursday, September 26, 2013. Here's a man found guilty on 11 counts of participating in the planning of crimes, and of aiding and abetting crimes, committed by rebel forces in Sierra Leone. He then gets sentenced to 50 years imprisonment on 30 May 2012. But his defense team fights back; arguing that the trial chamber had made systematic errors in the evaluation of evidence and in the application of law.

Ok Mr. Taylor, so what have earned in the end? Your 50 years still stand! Now, you will spend the next 50 years in a British cell.

Mixed  Reactions:

While some believe that the decision of the Court to uphold the conviction of the former Liberian President sends a clear message to leaders across the world that no-one is immune from justice, others, too, are of the view that Taylor simply deserves to die, not to sit flamboyantly in a British cell while his victims --  tens of thousands who suffered torture, rape, amputations, and other grave violations --  in Sierra Leone, continue to live the war and the brutality meted out against them. For these people, as long as Taylor remains alive, justice is simply being placed on ice "as usual".

"Taylor's 50 years imprisonment would be a waste of hard-earned resources. He deserves nothing less than death," a victim's opinion.

But on the flip-side of the coin, how about Sierra Leone? Our old folks say if someone is helping to scrub your back, try scrubbing your tummy yourself. So, what is Sierra Leone doing in helping to heal the wounds of its people? Is that country ready and willing to fight impunity? What became of the country's Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Report? How about reparations for victims as recommended by the truth commission? In fact, when will Sierra Leone muster the courage to fully implementing its TRC recommendation? 

“The [Special Court]  has made a significant contribution to the progressive development of international criminal law. However, under the amnesty provision, thousands of perpetrators of unlawful killings, rape and sexual violence, mutilations and the use of children in Sierra Leone’s armed conflict have continued to escape justice. Sierra Leone must do more to address impunity. The amnesty provision must be repealed and investigations should follow,” said Stephanie Barbour, Head of Amnesty International's Centre for International Justice in The Hague, in a statement released last Thursday. 

Amnesty International is also calling on Sierra Leone to fully implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendation for the reparation of the victims of the conflict.  

“Further, extensive reparations for the victims of the conflict are long overdue. Reparations must become a reality for the tens of thousands, who suffered torture, rape, amputations, and other grave violations,” said Stephanie Barbour.

Sierra Leone, the ball is now resting in your court.  Act now!! Address impunity today because there will be NO excuse for later.....