Crimes Against Humanity—UK Agrees to Take Taylor

It is reported today that the United Kingdom has cleared the way for former Liberian President Charles Taylor to be tried outside the Freetown courtroom of the Special Court for Sierra Leone. British Foreign Minister Margaret Beckett stated today that “should he be convicted, Charles Taylor [may] serve his sentence in the UK.” ^[1]

It must be noted that no part of this conditional offer includes the possibility of acquittal. From the time that parties began considering the idea of a change of venue, the government of the Netherlands has maintained that it would agree to host the trial if another country would agree to jail Mr. Taylor after the trial, “if he is convicted or take him in if acquitted.”^[2] Apparently, the U.K.’s half‑offer today, with its insinuation that the outcome is a foregone conclusion, was good enough for the Dutch government to agree that its requirements had been met.^[3]

The offer is still subject to approval by the U.K. Parliament.^[4] Thereafter, the United Nations Security Council must issue a resolution clearing the way for the proceedings to take place outside Sierra Leone and the Netherlands must enact local legislation.^[5] Unfortunately, based on the tenor of the announcement today, Mr. Taylor may have just as tough a time getting a fair trial in Europe as he would in Sierra Leone.

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[1] David Clarke, Britain to Jail Liberia’s Taylor If Convicted, Reuters, June 15, 2006 [hereinafter Reuters].
[2] Jill Lawless, Britain May Accept Taylor If Convicted, Associated Press, June 15, 2006 (emphasis mine).
[3] Reuters supra note 1.
[4] Charles White, Charles Taylor May Serve Jail Term in UK If Convicted, Financial Times, June 15, 2006.
[5] Reuters supra note 1.