Taylor’s case will be heard by judges from the United Nations-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone, SCSL, which originally indicted him in 2003. But the proceedings will be conducted using the courtroom and detention facilities of the International Criminal Court, ICC, in The Hague.
SCSL officials have expressed concerns about stability in west Africa should the trial be conducted there.
Taylor’s transfer to The Hague came after the United Kingdom offered to host him for the duration of any jail term that he might have to serve if convicted. The Dutch government had said his trial could only go ahead there if a third country agreed to shoulder this responsibility.
The former warlord and president is charged with 11 counts of crimes against humanity, violations of the Geneva conventions and other serious violations of international law. The charges relate to his alleged relationship with organisations operating in Sierra Leone, like the rebel Revolutionary United Front, which were responsible for atrocities including murders and widespread sexual violence.
SCSL officials have expressed concerns about stability in west Africa should the trial be conducted there.
Taylor’s transfer to The Hague came after the United Kingdom offered to host him for the duration of any jail term that he might have to serve if convicted. The Dutch government had said his trial could only go ahead there if a third country agreed to shoulder this responsibility.
The former warlord and president is charged with 11 counts of crimes against humanity, violations of the Geneva conventions and other serious violations of international law. The charges relate to his alleged relationship with organisations operating in Sierra Leone, like the rebel Revolutionary United Front, which were responsible for atrocities including murders and widespread sexual violence.
