Former Truth and Reconciliation Com. Chairman speaks on amnesty granted….
MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The former Chairman of the Truth and Reconciliation Council (TRC) has sharply reacted to Nimba County Senator Prince Johnson’s claim of amnesty being granted to perpetrators of the Liberian Civil War.
Cllr. Jerome Verdier said:” Amnesty provision of Article 97 of the 1986 Constitution exempted only members of the then People’s Redemption Council (PRC) and not perpetrators of the Liberian Civil War.”
Cllr. Verdier argued that no constitution can overrule International Laws on the commission of crimes against humanity.
Making reference to former President Charles Taylor’s attempt for amnesty, Cllr. Verdier said that it did not materialized because he was advised that amnesty does not hold ground against International Law.
The TRC Chair’s clarifications are in reaction to Senator Prince Johnson’s claim of existing two instruments that prevent the establishment of war crimes court citing the 1986 Constitution and Amnesty Law.
Senator Johnson further argued that the 51st National Legislature under the regime of former President Charles Taylor also enacted an Amnesty Law granting amnesty to all factions and persons in Liberia who were involved in economic or war crimes.