The Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL) finished its last trial in Freetown on Tuesday. A final ruling by the court's judges against three Revolutionary United Front (RUF) members is expected in October.

The final arguments in the Special Court's trial against Issa Hassan Sesay, Morris Kallon and Augustine Gbao took place on 4 and 5 August. It's the last of three trials taking place in Freetown, the trial against Charles Taylor is ongoing in The Hague. A trial judgment in the RUF case is expected in October.

The Accused
Sesay was Interim Leader of the Revolutionary United Front of Sierra Leone and was indicted on 7 March 2003 on a 17-count indictment for crimes against humanity and war crimes. Morris Kallon, aka Bilai Karim, was a former commander of the RUF and Augustine Gbao, aka Augustine Bao, was a senior officer and commander of the RUF. The RUF rebels were notorious for their attacks on civilians cutting of arms and legs during Sierra Leone's civil war (1991-2002).

The three RUF indictees each face an 18-count indictment for crimes against humanity and war crimes. These include terrorism, murder, sexual violence, the use of child soldiers and attacks on UN personnel. The threesome, which is tried together, pleaded not guilty to all charges. The indictments against the infamous RUF leader Foday Sankoh and RUF Battlefield Commander Sam Bockarie were withdrawn in 2003 due to the deaths of the two accused.

Other SCSL cases
Proceedings in two other cases, one involving three former leaders of the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) and the other involving two former leaders of the Civil Defence Forces (CDF), are complete, including appeals.

The Special Court's trial of former Liberian President Charles Taylor is taking place in The Hague. To date, the Court has heard testimony from 35 Prosecution witnesses. The Trial Chamber is currently on recess and hearing resumes on Monday 18 August.

The whereabouts and fate of former AFRC leader Johnny Paul are unknown. The indictment against him remains in force.