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.

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Gibril Massaquoi tries for the jackpot

Former Sierra Leonean rebel commander Gibril Massaquoi, twice acquitted by the Finnish courts, has filed a claim for compensation totalling around 815,000 euros for his lengthy detention. He has also taken legal action in Liberia, where his lawyer has just been appointed head of the office responsible for setting up a war crimes tribunal...

By Thierry Cruvellier (Justice Info)

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The Massaquoi Affair: Special report on the Judas of Sierra Leone (Part 2)

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Pending the publication of our next unpublished articles dedicated to this special focus about the colombian transitional justice, consult all of our publications dedicated to Liberia, since 2015.