Trial Monitoring

Special Court for Sierra Leone, RUF Trial, Update 82a

July 07, 2006
Author(s)
Alison Thompson
Special Court for Sierra Leone, RUF Trial, Update 82a
Publication Documents
Case or Series

RUF Trial

Case or Series

Special Court for Sierra Leone

Country

Sierra Leone

Language

English

This week’s proceedings saw the closed session testimony of two protected witnesses for the Prosecution. Various concerns regarding the protection system offered to witnesses by the Court was thrown into question after Witness TF1-334 expressed fear that his identity would be revealed and recalled earlier intimidation he had experienced by investigators. While defence counsel contended that this represented a ruse by the witness to extract greater benefit from the Witness and Victims Services (WVS) Unit, given that his identity was already well known prior to his testimony, the Chamber took the witness’ fears very seriously and indicated their deep concern that the protection system was failing.

Wednesday’s proceedings saw complaints launched by the Defence regarding comments made by the Secretary General of the United Nations with respect to the alleged criminal actions of the accused being tried at the Special Court. These comments were part of a speech delivered on the Court premises the preceding week. Defence counsel claimed that the statement prejudiced the rights of the accused and called for the President of the Court as well as the Judges to distance themselves publicly from such comments in order to maintain the necessary independence and impartiality of the Court. The Trial Chamber noted the gravity of the Defence submissions and indicated that they needed more time to deliberate on the matter.