Photo: AP | |
Charles Taylor
BACKGROUND: Charles Ghankay Taylor, President of Liberia, aka Charles Ghankay Macarthur Dapkpana Taylor. Is from Arthington in the Republic of Liberia. Taylor received military training in Libya and formed or joined the National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL). He is accused of then provided financial support, military training, personnel, arms, ammunition and other support and encouragement to the RUF for all subsequent activities.
CHARGES*: He is charged with 17 counts of war crimes,
which include terrorizing civilians and collective punishments,
unlawful killings,
physical violence,
sexual violence,
looting and burning,
use of child soldiers,
abductions and forced labor and attacks on UNAMSIL personnel.
DETAILS: Taylor was indicted
March 7, 2003 for crimes against humanity and other war crimes. The indictment
was sealed until June 4 when Taylor traveled to Ghana for peace talks.
STATUS:
Taylor, President of Liberia, has refused to cooperate with the Special Court.
On June 4, 2003, when the indictment was made public, Ghanaian authorities
failed to enforce an international arrest warrant and Taylor returned to
Liberia. On June 17, 2003, Taylor reportedly agreed to step down as part of a
cease-fire agreement his government made with rebel groups.
READ THE INDICTMENT: Indictment is unavailable
*For more information about the charges,
go to the glossary. |