Taylor lawyers threaten withdrawal
…Family appeals to Amnesty, Global Witness others
Mr. Taylor (center) is awaiting trial at The Hague
Lawyers representing former President Charles Taylor charged for war crimes and crimes against humanity by the United Nations backed war crimes court in Sierra Leone have threatened to withdraw their legal services from Mr. Taylor due to the limited time and resources allocated to them by the court.
The lawyers argued that “time and resources available to them (defense) was so inadequate that it places them in a position of conflict with their professional obligations and rendered the possibility of a fair trial impossible.”
A statement issued Wednesday in Accra, Ghana and signed by Mrs. Thelma Taylor-Saye a copy of which is in the possession of this paper said former President Taylor is the only crime suspect being subjected to such surveillance.
Mrs. Taylor-Saye also accused the Special War Crime Court in The Hague of violating Mr. Taylor’s “right to privacy and the right to legal professional privilege by the installation of video surveillance cameras to record his conferences with his counsels.”
Accordingly, the statement added “that has compromised Mr. Taylor ability to give instructions and freely discuss with his defense counsels and other individuals”.
The statement said the prosecution currently has five senior counsels in its team while the defense has two counsels with no proper offices both in The Hague and in Monrovia, something the statement noted “has been bogged down in an administrative quagmire in dealing with issues regarding the establishment of a fully functioning defense team, its funding and its facilities.”
Mrs. Taylor-Saye who read the statement on behalf of former President Taylor himself, and other family members based on the expressed concern of lawyers said “Taylor is anxious to defend himself from the charges which have been against him.” However, we are extremely concerned that he is being denied the facilities and time to do so and that fair trial of the case will be prejudiced.”
The statement therefore called on Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, International Committee of the Red Cross, Global Witness and all rights organization to prevail on the special Court in Sierra Leone to ensure that former President Taylor is given time, facilities and resources to mount a proper defense, if he is to get free and fair trial.
The war crimes suspect who is scheduled to appear in court this April is expected to respond to an initial 32,000 pages of documents statements and transcripts of 226 witnesses. There have been six further disclosure packages with 154 additional statements, 105 exhibits, 97 open source documents, three television programs and nine radio programs.
The statement said in addition to the plethora of documents relating to the trial, the prosecution intends to call 19 experts opinion witnesses, but frustrating, not all of the expert witnesses have been served up to date to adequately enable the defense prepare its rebuttal as required by the practice.
Liberty Party wants CBL Act repealed
The opposition Liberty Party is calling on the National Legislature to critically review the Act establishing the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL).
In a press statement issued in Monrovia recently, the party said while it upholds the concept of continuity in government, it must be stated clearly that Taylor’s government was labeled as an evil empire, hence the onus rest on the Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf led government review all acts that run ovarian to the constitution.
Cllr Charles W. Brumskine-LP Standard Bearer
…Family appeals to Amnesty, Global Witness others
Mr. Taylor (center) is awaiting trial at The Hague
Lawyers representing former President Charles Taylor charged for war crimes and crimes against humanity by the United Nations backed war crimes court in Sierra Leone have threatened to withdraw their legal services from Mr. Taylor due to the limited time and resources allocated to them by the court.
The lawyers argued that “time and resources available to them (defense) was so inadequate that it places them in a position of conflict with their professional obligations and rendered the possibility of a fair trial impossible.”
A statement issued Wednesday in Accra, Ghana and signed by Mrs. Thelma Taylor-Saye a copy of which is in the possession of this paper said former President Taylor is the only crime suspect being subjected to such surveillance.
Mrs. Taylor-Saye also accused the Special War Crime Court in The Hague of violating Mr. Taylor’s “right to privacy and the right to legal professional privilege by the installation of video surveillance cameras to record his conferences with his counsels.”
Accordingly, the statement added “that has compromised Mr. Taylor ability to give instructions and freely discuss with his defense counsels and other individuals”.
The statement said the prosecution currently has five senior counsels in its team while the defense has two counsels with no proper offices both in The Hague and in Monrovia, something the statement noted “has been bogged down in an administrative quagmire in dealing with issues regarding the establishment of a fully functioning defense team, its funding and its facilities.”
Mrs. Taylor-Saye who read the statement on behalf of former President Taylor himself, and other family members based on the expressed concern of lawyers said “Taylor is anxious to defend himself from the charges which have been against him.” However, we are extremely concerned that he is being denied the facilities and time to do so and that fair trial of the case will be prejudiced.”
The statement therefore called on Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, International Committee of the Red Cross, Global Witness and all rights organization to prevail on the special Court in Sierra Leone to ensure that former President Taylor is given time, facilities and resources to mount a proper defense, if he is to get free and fair trial.
The war crimes suspect who is scheduled to appear in court this April is expected to respond to an initial 32,000 pages of documents statements and transcripts of 226 witnesses. There have been six further disclosure packages with 154 additional statements, 105 exhibits, 97 open source documents, three television programs and nine radio programs.
The statement said in addition to the plethora of documents relating to the trial, the prosecution intends to call 19 experts opinion witnesses, but frustrating, not all of the expert witnesses have been served up to date to adequately enable the defense prepare its rebuttal as required by the practice.
Liberty Party wants CBL Act repealed
The opposition Liberty Party is calling on the National Legislature to critically review the Act establishing the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL).
In a press statement issued in Monrovia recently, the party said while it upholds the concept of continuity in government, it must be stated clearly that Taylor’s government was labeled as an evil empire, hence the onus rest on the Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf led government review all acts that run ovarian to the constitution.
Cllr Charles W. Brumskine-LP Standard Bearer
The Party described the printing of new banknotes by the CBL without any reference to the National Legislature as a “total disregard for the constitutional intent of checks and balances which are hallmark for good governance.”
“The Party strongly believes that the Act creating the Central Bank never intended to make the sole authority in the effect valuation of a major financial policy decision bearing upon the economy of the country.”
It also called on the government to demonstrate transparency and accountability in the democratic governance of the country.
President Johnson-Sirleaf challenges the church to pray for Liberia
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has urged the Christian community to continue to pray for the country and her government.
Speaking at a combined thanksgiving and Intercessory Service at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tuesday in Monrovia, President Johnson-Sirleaf said there is a need for churches in the country to continue to pray for the stability of the state and its people.
Pres. Sirleaf offers prayers
“The Party strongly believes that the Act creating the Central Bank never intended to make the sole authority in the effect valuation of a major financial policy decision bearing upon the economy of the country.”
It also called on the government to demonstrate transparency and accountability in the democratic governance of the country.
President Johnson-Sirleaf challenges the church to pray for Liberia
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has urged the Christian community to continue to pray for the country and her government.
Speaking at a combined thanksgiving and Intercessory Service at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tuesday in Monrovia, President Johnson-Sirleaf said there is a need for churches in the country to continue to pray for the stability of the state and its people.
Pres. Sirleaf offers prayers
She said the peace and security of Liberia remain the full responsibility of all Liberia including the Christian community.
The Liberian leader however urged Liberians to recommit themselves to doing those things that are intended to improve the living standard of Liberian people, adding, “it s about time to follow the full steps of your forefathers.”
President Johnson Sirleaf praised God for taking the country successfully during the first year of her administration, noting,” despite trial and tribulation, we achieved that which God destined for us to do”.
Delivering the sermon earlier, the Chaplain General of the Ministry of State and presidential Affairs, Rev. J. Abbey Seh, Sr. said God was with Liberians during 2006 and that He will continue to guard and protect us as a country and people.
Rev. Seh described 2007 as a year of fulfillment. The Service was organized by the National Chaplains Association of Liberia.
Prisons need trained manpower
-Says Minister Sheriff
The Assistant Minister for Rehabilitation at the Ministry of Justice Fatumata Sheriff said the need for more trained correction officers to help adequately rehabilitate inmates around the country can not be over emphasized.
Addressing newsmen in Monrovia recently, Minister Sheriff said due to the acute shortage of trained manpower, her department and its international partners have embarked on the training of interested individuals to carry out the task of manning the various prisons in the country.
According to her, the department is currently understaffed and there was a need for government to offer attractive salary and incentive to help encourage individuals to join the department, adding, “the rehabilitation of individuals in the larger society required trained manpower.”
The Assistant Justice Minister said the department has already begun the recruitment of few individuals that are yet to be placed on government’s payroll. She however, assured them that government is doing everything possible to ensure they are fully prepared for the enormous task ahead.
Minister Sheriff said Justice Minister Frances Johnson-Morris has already pledged her unflinching support to efforts being made her department to ensure that prison condition are conducive for habilitation and for those who manage prisoners.
She also commended the government and its international partners for the level of cooperation shown thus far and hoped that such continue in an effort to improve prison facilities around the country.
Elders, chiefs endorse LAP candidate in Nimba by-election
With five days to the official commencement of campaigning for the vacant seat in the Nimba County District # 6 pending by-election, latest reports from the district has revealed that the Liberia Action Party (LAP) candidate, Paul Tuazama has been overwhelmingly endorsed by elders and prominent citizens of the district.
The reports said Tuazama who was narrowly defeated by the late David Manneh in October 2005 legislative elections was endorsed by the citizens at a mass citizens meetings in various parts of the district as the man suited for the job.
Already, the Executive Committee for the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) has thrown its weight behind the LAP candidate who is said to be a leading contender in the race so far.
Monitors’ correspondent observing the campaign preparation said the citizens overwhelmingly reached the consensus to endorse the LAP candidate against the backdrop that he (Tuazama) came second in the October 2005 elections and despite his defeat in that election, he has remained a sole of inspiration to citizens of the district.
Cllr Varney Sherman-LAP Standard Bearer
The Liberian leader however urged Liberians to recommit themselves to doing those things that are intended to improve the living standard of Liberian people, adding, “it s about time to follow the full steps of your forefathers.”
President Johnson Sirleaf praised God for taking the country successfully during the first year of her administration, noting,” despite trial and tribulation, we achieved that which God destined for us to do”.
Delivering the sermon earlier, the Chaplain General of the Ministry of State and presidential Affairs, Rev. J. Abbey Seh, Sr. said God was with Liberians during 2006 and that He will continue to guard and protect us as a country and people.
Rev. Seh described 2007 as a year of fulfillment. The Service was organized by the National Chaplains Association of Liberia.
Prisons need trained manpower
-Says Minister Sheriff
The Assistant Minister for Rehabilitation at the Ministry of Justice Fatumata Sheriff said the need for more trained correction officers to help adequately rehabilitate inmates around the country can not be over emphasized.
Addressing newsmen in Monrovia recently, Minister Sheriff said due to the acute shortage of trained manpower, her department and its international partners have embarked on the training of interested individuals to carry out the task of manning the various prisons in the country.
According to her, the department is currently understaffed and there was a need for government to offer attractive salary and incentive to help encourage individuals to join the department, adding, “the rehabilitation of individuals in the larger society required trained manpower.”
The Assistant Justice Minister said the department has already begun the recruitment of few individuals that are yet to be placed on government’s payroll. She however, assured them that government is doing everything possible to ensure they are fully prepared for the enormous task ahead.
Minister Sheriff said Justice Minister Frances Johnson-Morris has already pledged her unflinching support to efforts being made her department to ensure that prison condition are conducive for habilitation and for those who manage prisoners.
She also commended the government and its international partners for the level of cooperation shown thus far and hoped that such continue in an effort to improve prison facilities around the country.
Elders, chiefs endorse LAP candidate in Nimba by-election
With five days to the official commencement of campaigning for the vacant seat in the Nimba County District # 6 pending by-election, latest reports from the district has revealed that the Liberia Action Party (LAP) candidate, Paul Tuazama has been overwhelmingly endorsed by elders and prominent citizens of the district.
The reports said Tuazama who was narrowly defeated by the late David Manneh in October 2005 legislative elections was endorsed by the citizens at a mass citizens meetings in various parts of the district as the man suited for the job.
Already, the Executive Committee for the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) has thrown its weight behind the LAP candidate who is said to be a leading contender in the race so far.
Monitors’ correspondent observing the campaign preparation said the citizens overwhelmingly reached the consensus to endorse the LAP candidate against the backdrop that he (Tuazama) came second in the October 2005 elections and despite his defeat in that election, he has remained a sole of inspiration to citizens of the district.
Cllr Varney Sherman-LAP Standard Bearer
Our correspondent said partisans of the Liberia Action Party/CDC and other supporters and sympathizers of Mr. Tuazama have already commenced massive preparations in the district to receive LAP’s Standard Bearer in the October elections, Counselor Varney G. Sherman who is expected to lead an array of senior partisans of LAP and CDC to officially launch Mr. Tuazama’s campaign.
Other candidates that have been qualified by the National Election Commission (NEC) to participate in the district # 6 Nimba County by-election according to information available to us include, Evans Koah of the ruling Unity Party, Larry Younquai of the Liberty Party.
Unlike Tuazama and Younquai, the UP candidate was massively whipped in the October 2005 election as a senatorial candidate for Nimba County.
Initially, it was rumored in Monrovia that Mr. Koah was contemplating to contest the presidency of Liberia upon his arrival from United States, but that plan was dropped following consultation with other political leaders.
LACE makes head-waves
Other candidates that have been qualified by the National Election Commission (NEC) to participate in the district # 6 Nimba County by-election according to information available to us include, Evans Koah of the ruling Unity Party, Larry Younquai of the Liberty Party.
Unlike Tuazama and Younquai, the UP candidate was massively whipped in the October 2005 election as a senatorial candidate for Nimba County.
Initially, it was rumored in Monrovia that Mr. Koah was contemplating to contest the presidency of Liberia upon his arrival from United States, but that plan was dropped following consultation with other political leaders.
LACE makes head-waves
The Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE) has dedicated two sub-projects in Margibi County.
LACE Executive Dir. Ramses T. Kumbuyah
The Jayebaye Town Community School and the Velley Community Clinic were dedicated on Saturday, December 29, 2006 at the Jayebaye Town community school.
According to a press release, the Chief Education Officer and head of the County Health Team Messrs. David L. Sumoiwuo and Ansu Dunor in separate statements promised to assist the two institutions in making them functional in the county.
At the Program, Mr. Dunor presented on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare a mental bed, wheel chair and table to be used by the clinic. He urged community people to take advantage of the health center.
Also, the CEO Mr. Sumoiwuo promised to ensure that teachers of the Jayebaye Town community school befit from training programs in the county. He announced the school had been placed on the list of functional schools in the county and is already benefiting. The CEO also pledged to ensure that teachers are placed on payroll.
The two officers thanked LACE for improving the lives of the people of Margibi County.
Earlier, LACE Executive Director Ramses T. Kumbuyah placed the cost of the two sub-projects at US$81,741.97.
According to a press release, the Chief Education Officer and head of the County Health Team Messrs. David L. Sumoiwuo and Ansu Dunor in separate statements promised to assist the two institutions in making them functional in the county.
At the Program, Mr. Dunor presented on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare a mental bed, wheel chair and table to be used by the clinic. He urged community people to take advantage of the health center.
Also, the CEO Mr. Sumoiwuo promised to ensure that teachers of the Jayebaye Town community school befit from training programs in the county. He announced the school had been placed on the list of functional schools in the county and is already benefiting. The CEO also pledged to ensure that teachers are placed on payroll.
The two officers thanked LACE for improving the lives of the people of Margibi County.
Earlier, LACE Executive Director Ramses T. Kumbuyah placed the cost of the two sub-projects at US$81,741.97.
He hailed the two communities and their project management committees (PMCs) for their commitment during the lifespan of the projects.
Mr. Kumbuyah urged the PMCs to use the skills and experiences acquired during the implementation of the projects for the growth and development of their communities.
LACE Deputy Executive Director for Administration Madam Elizabeth S. Mulbah presented US$1,000.00 worth of instructional materials for the school and US$500.00 starter kit for the operation of the clinic.
The dedication ceremony was attended by county officials, chiefs and residents of the various communities.
In a related development, the Agency dedicated five projects in Grand Cape Mount County recently.
Speaking at the dedication ceremony on Saturday, December 23, at the Mannihenn Primary School in Grand Cape Mount County, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf said LACE has demonstrated what it means to have a project that comes out of community empowerment.
President Sirleaf said the sub-projects will pass the test of the time because it was the “communities’ thing”.
President Sirleaf said education remains a major priority for the Government of Liberia. The Liberian leader donated a 5 KVA generator for the running of the Mannihenn Primary School.
LACE Executive Director Ramses T. Kumbuyah making remarks at the ceremony thanked the various communities and their project management committees (PMCs) for their steadfastness and for the job well done.
Mr. Kumbuyah placed the cost of the five sub-projects at US$163,197.51.
Other facilities attached to the renovated and constructed clinics are an incinerator, a hand pump and a six-compartment latrine. For the schools: hand pump, a six compartment latrine and a kitchen.
LACE also presented US$1,000.00 worth of instructional materials for each school and US$500.00 starter kit for the operation of each clinic. Also books donated under the Saudi Prince Grant were presented to the schools.
The five sub-projects (schools, clinics and bridge) are funded under the World Bank and Government of Liberia Community Empowerment Project (LCEP).
Mr. Kumbuyah urged the PMCs to use the skills and experiences acquired during the implementation of the projects for the growth and development of their communities.
LACE Deputy Executive Director for Administration Madam Elizabeth S. Mulbah presented US$1,000.00 worth of instructional materials for the school and US$500.00 starter kit for the operation of the clinic.
The dedication ceremony was attended by county officials, chiefs and residents of the various communities.
In a related development, the Agency dedicated five projects in Grand Cape Mount County recently.
Speaking at the dedication ceremony on Saturday, December 23, at the Mannihenn Primary School in Grand Cape Mount County, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf said LACE has demonstrated what it means to have a project that comes out of community empowerment.
President Sirleaf said the sub-projects will pass the test of the time because it was the “communities’ thing”.
President Sirleaf said education remains a major priority for the Government of Liberia. The Liberian leader donated a 5 KVA generator for the running of the Mannihenn Primary School.
LACE Executive Director Ramses T. Kumbuyah making remarks at the ceremony thanked the various communities and their project management committees (PMCs) for their steadfastness and for the job well done.
Mr. Kumbuyah placed the cost of the five sub-projects at US$163,197.51.
Other facilities attached to the renovated and constructed clinics are an incinerator, a hand pump and a six-compartment latrine. For the schools: hand pump, a six compartment latrine and a kitchen.
LACE also presented US$1,000.00 worth of instructional materials for each school and US$500.00 starter kit for the operation of each clinic. Also books donated under the Saudi Prince Grant were presented to the schools.
The five sub-projects (schools, clinics and bridge) are funded under the World Bank and Government of Liberia Community Empowerment Project (LCEP).
posted by TheMonitorLiberia | 5:32 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home