Trial Monitoring

Special Court for Sierra Leone, Taylor Trial, Initial Appearance of Charles Taylor

April 03, 2006
Author(s)
Alison Thompson
Special Court for Sierra Leone, Taylor Trial, Initial Appearance of Charles Taylor
Case or Series

Taylor Trial

Case or Series

Special Court for Sierra Leone

Country

Sierra Leone

Language

English

Justice Lussick presided over the initial appearance of the accused, Charles Ghankay Taylor, in Trial Chamber II of the Special Court for Sierra Leone. The initial warrant for the former President of Liberia’s arrest was issued almost three years prior to his arrival at the Special Court’s detention facility on March 29, 2006. During this initial appearance the accused was represented by the Principal Defender, Mr. Vincent Nmehielle, who acted as duty counsel as stipulated under Rule 45 of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence. The Chief Prosecutor, Mr. Desmond de Silva, was accompanied by the Chief of Prosecutions as well as several other senior staff members from the OTP. Taylor appeared to be in good health and spoke in a measured tone when addressing the court.