U.S. Representative Ed Royce

U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-CA) issued the following statement in reaction to today's announced verdict in the Special Court for Sierra Leone trial of former Liberian President Charles Taylor. Taylor was found guilty of war crimes. The Special Court is charged with prosecuting persons who bear the greatest responsibility for the brutal death and destruction inflicted upon the West African nation of Sierra Leone since November, 1996. This is the first time an international tribunal has reached judgment on a former head of state.

"At long last, Taylor has been held accountable for the death and suffering he inflicted on Sierra Leoneans. Since Taylor left, there has been peace in the region. He must never return.

"What's needed for justice to prevail for the people of West Africa is for Taylor to be sentenced to life in prison. Taylor must not be given the smallest chance to resume his reign of terror. Taylor’s destruction of innumerable lives means that he must never again walk free."

The Taylor trial opened in June 2007. It has been characterized by delays and dilatory defense tactics. Sentencing is expected in six weeks or so, and may be followed by a months-long appeals process. The Special Court for Sierra Leone is prohibited from imposing capital sentences.

Royce chaired the House Subcommittee on Africa from 1997-2006. Under his chairmanship, the Subcommittee held several hearings focused on Liberia, Sierra Leone, Charles Taylor and the Special Court for Sierra Leone. Royce was a vocal opponent of a deal brokered by Nigeria and the United States, which gave Taylor asylum in Nigeria, keeping him beyond the reach of justice. In 2005, Royce authored a congressional resolution that overwhelmingly passed the House of Representatives, calling on Nigeria to send Taylor to the Special Court for Sierra Leone. He also authored a well-timed oped in the New York Times, "Bring Charles Taylor to Justice."

###