At the Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL) in The Hague, the prosecution has started its cross-examination of Charles Taylor. 

By Thijs Bouwknegt

Acting Chief Prosecutor Joseph Kamara says: “After 13 weeks of direct examination, we are very happy to be beginning our cross. We’ve been waiting patiently for our turn to test Mr Taylor on his version of events. That version is very different from the evidence the prosecution presented.”

Kamara says the prosecution intends to test Taylor’s version of his role during the civil war in Sierra Leone: “Our approach and strategy will become known as the cross-examination unfolds. What I can tell is that we will directly challenge Mr Taylor in three ways – on the accuracy, the truthfulness and the completeness of his testimony.”

The prosecution hopes not to take as long as Lead Defence Counsel Courtenay Griffiths. Kamara says, “timing can depend on a number of factors, including how direct or evasive the accused chooses to be on the stand.”

After the cross-examination, the parties may ask additional questions to Taylor. Then the Defence will seek to have documents tendered into evidence and will call its other witnesses. Griffiths has not yet revealed how many, nor whom he intends to call.

Brenda Hollis will conduct the cross-examination.

Download the print version of the International Justice Tribune 93 (PDF file)

Subscribe to the International Justice Tribune