Special Court for Sierra Leone, CDF Trial, Update 67

CDF Trial

Special Court for Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone

English

This week marks the second week of Norman’s testimony in the CDF trial. The examination-in-chief moved from general topics to more specific issues as Norman responded to particular allegations made by the Prosecution. In particular, the use of child soldiers was extensively addressed as were events surrounding CDF attacks in several towns included as crime bases in the Indictment, such as Koribundu, Tongo Field and Bonthe. Defence counsel for the third accused led a controversial crossexamination of Norman, which focused not only on the role of his client, Allieu Kondewa, within the CDF, but also on the relationship between Norman and Kabbah and the internal politics of the ruling SLPP party. The Trial Chamber issued a decision clarifying their previous judgment regarding the Defence motion to acquit , specifically with reference to Operation Black December. The Chamber ruled that, as the effect of their previous decision was to strike the paragraph related to the incident of Black December from the Indictment, the accused were acquitted of any crimes relating to this particular crime base. As a result, Norman did not need to testify about the incident.