Russ Feingold: “earlier this week in a special chamber of the Special Court for Sierra Leone, based in The Hague, proceedings began in…”

“earlier this week in a special chamber of the Special Court for Sierra Leone, based in The Hague, proceedings began in the trial of former Liberian President Charles Taylor, who is accused of crimes against humanity, war crimes, and serious violations of international law committed during Sierra Leone's 11-year civil war. Tens of thousands died in this conflict that ended in 2002, and more than a third of Sierra Leone's 6 million people were forced to flee. His trial is expect to have significant impact across Sierra Leone but also throughout neighboring countries as his raging brutality was in no way confined by national borders. For over a decade, the people of Sierra Leone and Liberia not only suffered from deprivation and displacement at the hands of Charles Taylor, but they also endured forced recruitment of child soldiers, widespread and brutal sexual violence, and horrifying murders and mutilations. Those responsible for these crimes abandoned all human decency in their quest for power and wealth. I have long been a strong supporter of accountability mechanisms around the world--and in particular Sierra Leone's Special Court and Truth and Reconciliation Commission.”