Special Court for Sierra Leone, RUF Trial, Update 71

RUF Trial

Special Court for Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone

English

The 7th trial session for the RUF case began this week, with the previous session having ended on 8 December 2005 . A status conference was held on Monday and the trial session began on Thursday, with all three accused in attendance. The status conference, presided over by Justice Thompson, dealt with several managerial issues including witness lists, the health of Issa Sesay and the legal representation of Augustine Gbao. The Prosecution continued to lead its case and called its 58th witness thus far. The Prosecution expects to call an estimated 23 witnesses this session, many of which are anticipated to testify in closed session. The Prosecution has also filed an application for leave to amend the Indictment as they wish to expand the time period for crimes committed in Kono. A decision by the Trial Chamber in 2004 granted such leave to the Prosecution to add the charge of forced marriage to the Indictment.