A Consortium of Human Rights Defenders Wants Charles Taylor, Jr. Arrested
The Perspective
Atlanta, Georgia
September 28, 2002
MONROVIA, 27 SEPTEMBER 2002: The National Human Rights Center of Liberia, a consortium of nine local human rights organizations, says it wants the Government of Liberia to arrest, disrobe and prosecute the Commander of the Anti Terrorist Unit, Mr. Charles Taylor, Jr. commonly known as Chucky.
A release issued by the Center today, says Mr. Taylor Jr's arrest is justified by an allegation that the late 1st/Lt. Isaac Saye Gono, died as a result of flogging ordered by him. The late Isaac Gono was until his death chief driver to Chucky.
The Center release further pointed out that government's delay or failure to arrest and prosecute all suspects, including Chucky, in keeping with law, will demonstrate its lack of interest in defending the weak against the strong in society. This, the Center says, is inconsistent with the mandate of a democratic government and the principles of good governance.
The situation involving Chucky, according to the Center release, is similar to the incident, which resulted in the arrest and subsequent prosecution of former Deputy Labor Minister, Bedell Fahn.
On the recent statement by the Defense Ministry exonerating Chucky, the Center says such is a premature calculation intended to avoid Mr. Taylor Jr. submit to the due process of law. The innocence of the ATU Commander must be proven in a court of competent jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, the Center has lauded the vigilance of the deceased's family for speaking out fearlessly on the cruelty to which their relative was subjected, and further described the stance as a defense for their relative's rights.
| SIGNED: |
A.Blamoh Sieh |
| Acting National Coordinator, NHRCL |