THE HAGUE, Netherlands – The Residual Particular Court docket for Sierra Leone (RSCSL) has introduced the demise of famend British barrister Courtenay Griffiths, KC, who served as Lead Defence Counsel for former Liberian President Charles Ghankay Taylor throughout his landmark struggle crimes trial.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh
Griffiths handed away on the age of 69. The circumstances of his demise haven’t been disclosed. He was appointed as professional bono counsel for Taylor on 31 August 2023, on the former president’s request, and had beforehand served as his Lead Counsel from July 2007 till the conclusion of the trial section in Might 2012, when the Particular Court docket for Sierra Leone (SCSL) sat in The Hague below a UN mandate.
Griffiths, a distinguished authorized determine in the UK, was broadly recognized for his fierce advocacy, eloquence, and authorized acumen. He practiced earlier than the Bar of England and Wales and took on a number of high-profile legal instances all through his distinguished profession.
RSCSL Principal Defender Ibrahim Yilla described Griffiths as “unyielding and eloquent past measure in presenting his case earlier than the Particular Court docket.” RSCSL President Justice Richard Lussick remembered him as “a high quality lawyer,” whereas Registrar Binta Mansaray paid tribute, calling him “forceful and sort.”
In a short assertion, the RSCSL prolonged heartfelt condolences to his household, colleagues, and all who admired his dedication to justice.
“Might he relaxation in everlasting peace,” the assertion concluded.
The Residual Particular Court docket for Sierra Leone, primarily based in The Hague, succeeded the unique tribunal after its mandate resulted in December 2013. It continues to supervise obligations such because the supervision of jail sentences, witness safety, archival preservation, and assist for nationwide prosecutions arising from the Sierra Leone civil struggle.
Griffiths’ work throughout Taylor’s trial was a pivotal a part of the decade-long pursuit of accountability for crimes dedicated throughout the brutal West African conflicts, notably the Sierra Leonean civil struggle, wherein Taylor was discovered responsible of aiding and abetting struggle crimes and crimes in opposition to humanity. He was sentenced to 50 years in jail and is at the moment serving his sentence in the UK.
Griffiths’ legacy stays etched within the historical past of worldwide legal justice—as a passionate defender, a principled authorized practitioner, and a formidable courtroom presence throughout one among Africa’s most consequential struggle crimes trials.
