Photo: Peter Andersen/ Sierra Leone Web |
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Sam Bockarie
BACKGROUND: Sam Bockarie aka Mosquito aka Maskita of Kaidu, Kono District, Republic of Sierra Leone. Bockarie served as senior commander with RUF, Junta and AFRC forces.
CHARGES*: Bockarie is charged with 17 counts of war crimes, including
acts of terrorism, collective punishments, unlawful killings, sexual violence, physical violence,
crimes against humanity, use of child soldiers, abductions and forced labors, looting and burning,
and attacks on UNAMSIL personnel.
DETAILS:
Bockarie was indicted March 7, 2003 for crimes against humanity and other war
crimes. At the time of the indictment, Bockarie was reportedly fighting
alongside anti-government rebels in Ivory Coast. Though Bockarie was allied with
Liberian President Taylor, he was reported killed by Liberian authorities in
early May. Liberian officials claimed he was shot to death during an attempted
arrest. On May 15, Special Court officials reported that Bockarie's mother, wife
and two daughters were murdered outside their home in Liberia.
STATUS:
On June 2, 2003 Liberian authorities transferred a body they said was Bockarie's
to Sierra Leone. A forensic investigation is underway to determine the identity
and cause of death.
READ THE INDICTMENT
*For more information about the charges,
go to the glossary. |