US grants $ 4.5 million to fund Sierra Leone special court

 Washington, 24 Nov-(ANA)-The United States has released a $ 4.5 million grant for the year 2011 to the Special Court of Sierra Leone (SCSL) to help fund the trial of former Liberian President Charles Taylor.

 Washington said that the grant demonstrates the U.S. commitment to ensuring that those most responsible for the atrocities committed during the war in Sierra Leone are brought to justice.

 The SCSL was set up jointly by the Government of Sierra Leone and the United Nations to try those with the greatest responsibility for serious violations of international humanitarian and Sierra Leonean law committed since November 30, 1996.

Former Liberian President Charles Taylor and 12 others were indicted for war crimes and crimes against humanity in 2003, due to their involvement in the worst atrocities in Sierra Leone’s civil war.

On June 16, 2006, the trial of Charles Taylor was transferred to The Hague because Taylor’s continued presence and trial in Freetown represented an impediment to stability in the sub-region. (ANA)

FA/ANA/24 November 2010---------