Concord Times (Freetown)
Abdul Karim Koroma
24 July 2007
press release
Freetown — Amnesty International has stated in a press release issued Friday that the sentencing by the Special Court of three erstwhile leaders of the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) should not be the closing chapter in the struggle to achieve justice for the terrible crimes committed against the people during the rebel war.
"Alex Tamba Brima (sentenced to 50 years), Brima Bazzy Kamara (sentenced to 45 years) and Santigie Borbor Kanu (sentenced to 50 years), all senior commanders of the AFRC, were convicted of crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in a non-international armed conflict, including unlawful killings, extermination, rape, acts of terrorism, collective punishment, and mutilation. They were acquitted of sexual slavery and other inhumane acts," the release stated, adding that these verdicts and sentencing sent a positive signal to the people of Sierra Leone that someone will be held responsible for the brutal crimes perpetrated against them and their families.
According to the release, this decision by the Special Court marks the first time in history that individuals have been convicted and sentenced for war crimes for conscripting and enlisting children under the age of 15 into armed forces.
"Thousands of others can and must be held criminally responsible. Reparations must also be provided to the victims in order for justice to begin to prevail throughout Sierra Leone", said Brima Sheriff, Director of Amnesty International, Sierra Leone.
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