Alan White, the former Chief Investigator for the Special Court of Sierra Leone, has been convicted of defamation by Swiss prosecutors in a high-profile case that has garnered international attention. White, who played a pivotal role in overseeing the trial of Liberia’s ex-president Charles Taylor, was accused of making false allegations against Civitas Maxima, a Swiss war crimes advocacy group, and The Global Justice Reject Project.
The defamation case, which remains open to appeal, stems from White’s alleged claims that Civitas Maxima and The Global Justice Reject Project had bribed witnesses involved in war crimes trials connected to the Liberian civil war. These accusations have been fiercely denied by the organizations involved.
Civitas Maxima, under the leadership of Alain Werner, a prominent Swiss human rights lawyer, has been at the forefront of defending victims of armed conflicts since its founding in 2012. The organization is renowned for providing legal support to victims of mass crimes and advocating for justice on an international scale. Werner’s work has made Civitas Maxima a critical player in the pursuit of accountability for war crimes, particularly in cases related to the Liberian civil war.
Switzerland’s legal system, which resolves over 90% of cases through “sentence orders” issued by prosecutors rather than judges, handled White’s case. This method, while controversial, is considered cost-effective and efficient, though it raises concerns about the balance of power between prosecutors and defendants.
The conviction of Alan White marks a significant moment in the ongoing battle for truth and justice related to the atrocities committed during the Liberian civil war. As the legal process continues, with the potential for an appeal, this case will likely remain in the spotlight, particularly given the international implications of the charges and the reputations of the individuals and organizations involved.
Geez Liberia will continue to monitor this case and provide updates as the situation evolves.
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