The sentencing of Charles Taylor to 50 years in prison on May 30, 2012 by the Special Court for Sierra Leone is a landmark in ensuring justice for the victims of Sierra Leone's brutal armed conflict, Human Rights Watch said today.
"Crucial in the sentencing was the court's finding that Charles Taylor's position as head of state was an aggravating factor," said Elise Keppler, international justice senior counsel at Human Rights Watch. "This sends a strong signal that the world is increasingly intolerant of leaders who exploit their positions of power to commit serious crimes in violation of international law."
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