In War-Crimes Trial, A Signal to Africans

Published in The New York Times

June 17, 2007  
 
To the Editor:  
 
Re ''International Justice on Trial'' (editorial, June 10):  
 
The challenges judges need to rise to in trying war-crimes cases fairly and efficiently were evident at the opening of the trial of Charles Taylor, the former president of Liberia, which I observed for Human Rights Watch. But the significance of a trial of a former head of state associated with horrendous crimes shouldn't be obscured because the proceedings didn't open without a hitch.

Related Material Questions and Answers on Charles Taylor's Trial Before the Special Court for Sierra Leone Questions and Answers, May 31, 2007 Charles Taylor: Liberian Ex-President Goes on Trial Press Release, May 31, 2007 More on justice in Sierra Leone Thematic Page The Trial of Charles Taylor Web Site Free Email Newsletter

No one said international justice was easy, but it is often essential to ensure that atrocities cannot be committed with impunity. The Sierra Leone war-crimes court faces additional challenges because of the trial's relocation outside Sierra Leone for security concerns. By using video, audio and observation by local journalists and civil society, the court is working to ensure that the communities most affected by the crimes are kept informed.  
 
Charles Taylor's war-crimes trial signals that no one is above the law and puts would-be perpetrators on notice. And thanks to the court's outreach work, that message is getting to the people of West Africa.  
 
Elise Keppler  
Counsel, International Justice Program  
Human Rights Watch  
New York, June 11, 2007
 

 

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