UN Security Council welcomes guilty verdict in Charles Taylor case

UNITED NATIONS, Apr 28 (Xinhua-ANI): The members of the UN Security Council said in a press statement released here Friday that they welcome the verdict issued against former Liberian leader Charles Taylor, which deemed that he is guilty of several violations of international law.

"The members of the Security Council welcome the issuance of the verdict of the Special Court for Sierra Leone in the trial of Charles Taylor, former president of Liberia, which found him guilty of aiding and abetting and planning crimes against humanity, war crimes and other serious violations of international humanitarian law during Sierra Leone's civil war," said the press statement.

"Serious crimes and violations of international humanitarian law, including murder, rape and enlisting children into armed forces, are of particular concern," the statement said.

The Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL) announced the verdict against Taylor on April 26 in The Hague, where Taylor has been on trial for almost five years.

"This verdict is an important step in bringing to justice those individuals who bear the greatest responsibility for such crimes, regardless of their official status," said the statement. "The members of the Security Council reaffirm their determination to end impunity for serious violations of international humanitarian law."

According to the press statement, the 15-member council also expressed its sympathy to those impacted by Taylor's crimes.

"The members of the Security Council recognize the importance of the verdict to the victims of crimes committed in Sierra Leone and express their deepest sympathy to them and others who suffered during the hostilities," said the statement. (Xinhua-ANI)