Special focus

The Massaquoi Affair: the Finnish model put to the test

In February 2021, a Finnish court began the trial of Gibril Massaquoi, a former commander and spokesman for the Sierra Leonean rebellion, accused of crimes against humanity committed in Liberia twenty years ago. However, the Finnish method profoundly disrupts the traditional way of exercising universal jurisdiction. The court decided to relocate to Liberia and then to Sierra Leone to hear most of the witnesses. The model is attractive, but does it meet the expectations it has raised and is it easily replicable? The evidence provided to date in the case also raises many questions. Justice Info offers exclusive coverage of this symbolic and unusual trial.

Massaquoi case: Finnish court of appeal arrives in Liberia
Finnish judges, prosecutors and lawyers are expected to arrive in the Liberian capital on 31 January. They are to stay for two months for the appeal trial of the former Sierra Leonean rebel commander, Gibril Massaquoi. Massaquoi was acquitted of all charges in the first instance trial in April 2022. This new trial is likely […]
By Thierry Cruvellier, Justice Info
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Pending the publication of our next unpublished articles dedicated to this special focus about the colombian transitional justice, consult all of our publications dedicated to Liberia, since 2015.

Massaquoi trial in Liberia
Illustration : © Leslie Lummeh for JusticeInfo.net