The top Swiss court on Friday confirmed a guilty verdict against a Liberian warlord, ‌upholding his 20-year sentence in the country's first-ever war crimes trial.

Alieu Kosiah, who fought in the 1990s against then-president Charles Taylor's army during Liberia's ⁠brutal civil war, was originally sentenced to 20 years in prison in June 2021 for rape, murder and cannibalism.

An earlier appeal was rejected in 2023 by the Federal Criminal Court and the dismissal of his second appeal by Switzerland's highest tribunal the Federal Supreme Court ‌published ⁠on Friday closes the case.

"This is a landmark decision, made possible by the courage of these victims, who have written a page ⁠of legal history," said Alain Werner, Director of Civitas Maxima, an NGO representing victims in this ⁠case.

However, the court reversed a parallel conviction for crimes against humanity on the grounds that the 2011 law on this crime cannot be applied retroactively.

Add MyJoyOnline as a preferred source on GoogleSee more of our stories when you search on Google. (opens in a new tab)

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Tags:

Swiss top court ends Liberia warlord case — he will serve 20 years in prison

Suggested for you

More Stories

Burkina Faso Minister Praises Ghanaian Craftsmanship Ahead of Ghana Day

Ghana DJ Clinic 2026 Announces Strong Speaker Lineup for November 25

Audit Service recovers over GH¢18 billion in public money from 2022 to 2026 - Auditor-General

2026 CAF Women's Champions League: Ampem Darkoa Ladies Fight Back to Beat USFAS Bamako in First Game

GoldBod among 20 companies SEC has added to its virtual asset sandbox

Telecel Gives Customer Brand New Hyundai Creta in Dream Car Promo

Discussion