Human rights activists hailed the convictions as a watershed moment in the fight against impunity for national leaders responsible for atrocities.
“Taylor’s conviction sends a powerful message that even those in the highest level positions can be held to account for grave crimes,” said Elise Keppler of Human Rights Watch. “Not since Nuremberg has an international or hybrid war crimes court issued a judgment against a current or former head of state. This is a victory for Sierra Leonean victims, and all those seeking justice when the worst abuses are committed.”
Thousands of survivors of Sierra Leone’s brutal civil war celebrated after learning of the conviction.
Jusu Jarka, who lost both of his arms during the fighting in 1999, was among those closely watching the verdict. “I am happy that the truth has come out … that Charles Taylor is fully and solely responsible for the crimes committed against the people of Sierra Leone,” he said.
Crowds who had gathered in Freetown, Sierra Leone’s capital, sighed with relief when the conviction was announced. While the reaction was subdued, anger was on display on a series of posters. One read: “Shame on you Charles Taylor. Give us your diamonds before going to prison.”