Prosecutor Responds to Reports of Bockarie's Death

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Prosecutor Responds to Reports of Bockarie's Death

Special Court for Sierra Leone The Office of the Prosecutor PRESS RELEASE Freetown, Sierra Leone, 7 May 2003 Prosecutor Responds to Reports of Bockarie's Death The Office of the Prosecutor has become aware of developments regarding indicted war criminal Sam Bockarie. Responding to news reports that Bockarie was killed during an apparent arrest attempt by Liberian government forces in Nimba County, the Prosecutor of the Special Court for Sierra Leone, David M. Crane called on the Liberian government to back up their claims. "If reports of Bockarie's death are true, I ask Liberian authorities to provide proof and request that they turn his body over to us for forensic examination and positive identification." Earlier this week, Crane challenged Charles Taylor, President of Liberia, to arrest and surrender international fugitives, Sam Bockarie and Johnny Paul Koroma, to the Court. Crane offered specific details regarding the whereabouts of the wanted individuals for Liberian authorities. "Koroma is located in the Foya Kamala area in Lofa County. Regardless of Bockarie's fate, the Liberians still need to arrest and transfer Koroma to us. Their clear international obligation remains. Additionally, Koroma has the option to turn himself over to the Special Court, if he so desires. I urge him to do so." Bockarie and Koroma, indicted by the Court on March 7, 2003, are wanted for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other serious violations of international humanitarian law. The Special Court, created through an international agreement between the United Nations and Sierra Leone, is mandated to try those who bear "the greatest responsibility" for atrocities committed during the country's decade-long civil war. #END INFORMATION FOR MEDIA - NOT FOR ADVERTISING .

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Taylor Trial Transcript
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Registry: Decision
~ 00] SPECIAL COURT FOR SIERRA LEONE JOMO KENYATTA ROAD· FREETOWN· SIERRA LEONE PHONE: +12129639915 Extension: 1787000 or+39 0831257000 or +23222295995 FAX: Extension: 178 7001 or +39 0831 257001 Extension: 174 6996 or +232 22 295996 Before: Judge Bankole Thompson Registry: Mr. Robin Vincent Decision of: 07 March 2003 THE PROSECUTOR Against SAM BOCKARIE also known as MOSQUITO also known as MASKITA CASE NO. SCSL - 2003- 04 - I DECISION APPROVING THE INDICTMENT and ORDER FOR NON-DISCLOSURE The Office ofthe Prosecutor: David Crane Brenda Hollis THE SPECIAL COURT FOR SIERRA LEONE (the Special Court), SITTING AS Judge Thompson, designated by the President of the Special Court according to Rule 28 ofthe Rules ofProcedure and Evidence ("the Rules"); HAVING RECEIVED on 07 March 2003 from the Prosecutor the enclosed Indictment and accompanying material, pursuant to Rule 47 of the Rules against SAM BOCKARIE also known as MOSQUITO also known as MASKITA, a citizen of Sierra Leone, born 10 February 1964 at Koidu, Kono District, who is accused of Crimes against Humanity, violations of Article 3 common to the Geneva Conventions and of Additional Protocol II, and other Serious Violations ofInternational Humanitarian Law; BEING SATISFIED from the material tendered by the Prosecutor that there is sufficient evidence to provide reasonable grounds for believing that the suspect has committed crimes within the jurisdiction of the Court and that the allegations would, if proven, amount to the crimes specified and particularlised in the said Indictment; HEREBY APPROVES the Indictment submitted by the Prosecutor against SAM BOCKARIE in respect to each and every count. TAKES NOTE of the Prosecutor's request that a Warrant of Arrest and Order for Transfer and Detention be issued against SAM BOCKARIE.
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