Taylor Says He Was Tricked By Nigeria Into Leaving Liberia

By Jonathan Ambaye
Impunity Watch Reporter, Africa Desk

THE HAGUE, Netherlands-Today, prosecutors at The United Nation’s Special Court for Sierra Leone began their cross-examination of former Liberian President, Charles Taylor. Taylor is facing charges for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Taylor has been the defense’s first witness, and has spent the last thirteen weeks under direct examination of his defense attorneys. During the course of these thirteen weeks, much of it has involved Taylor dismissing the prosecution’s case against him as a series of lies.

With their first opportunity to respond to Taylor’s cries of “lies”, the prosecution opened their cross-examination of Taylor by asking, who was lying? In the course of questioning, the prosecution said, “Now Mr. Taylor, you have said to this bench throughout your direct examination that all of this evidence here before you, it’s all lies. And you have talked about how perhaps, cunning is not the word you used. But Mr. Taylor, it’s true isn’t it that of all the people who have come before these judges, you are the one who has the most reason to lie?”

Taylor subsequently responded by disagreeing with the prosecutor’s assertion that he is the one lying, because he has the most to lose. Taylor says, I have been truthful before this court. Unless you can point to me. I have told this court the truth. And I suggest that you point to me and present the evidentiary fact before this court that I am lying.”

Taylor is pleading not guilty to an eleven count indictment that includes murder, rape, enslavement, and conscription of child soldiers. Taylor’s defense attorneys today questioned the legality of Taylor being turned over to the court after he was granted political asylum in Nigeria. In conclusion of his defense testimony, Taylor said he agreed to resign as Liberian President in 2003 for the sake of peace, but was tricked by the “international community.” Taylor says in reference to the charges against him, “This was about regime change, and everything was put into place to accomplish that regime change.” Taylor later spoke of how he was repeatedly assured by other African leaders, specifically then Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo that he was not going to be turned over to the Special Court.

Taylor is convinced that “Washington” and “London” were determined to see him stand trial, and thus he claims they influenced other African nations such as Nigeria to turn him over to the Special Court.

For more information please see:

BBC  – Charles Taylor “Duped” by Nigeria – 10 November 2009

Charles Taylor Trial – “I Decided That I Will Leave Liberia For The Sake of Peace” – 9 November 2009

VOA – Cross Examination Begins in War Crimes Trial of Former Liberian President – 10 November 2009

Author: Impunity Watch Archive