A Spanish court expanded a Sierra Leone “blood diamonds” case to include money laundering and new suspects, advancing efforts to hold Manuel Terrén Parcerisas accountable for financing war crimes through illicit diamond trade networks.
Martina Johnson will appear before the Belgian cour d’assises to face charges of international crimes
Today, Belgian judges referred Martina Johnson, former NPFL commander under Charles Taylor, to trial before the Ghent Assize Court for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during Liberia’s 1992 Operation Octopus.
Liberia: Armed Break-in Shows Urgent Need to Protect Human Rights Defenders
Armed men raided the Global Justice and Research Project’s office in Monrovia on February 20, threatening staff and assaulting a guard. Rights groups condemn the attack and urge Liberia’s government to protect human rights defenders and advance a special court.
After over 10 years, the investigation phase of the case against Martina Johnson is closed
After over a decade of investigations, the Ghent Court of First Instance has closed the investigation against Martina Johnson, accused of war crimes during Liberia’s civil war. A hearing will now determine if the case goes to trial.
Laye Sekou Camara, aka “K-1”, sentenced to almost 5 years in prison for immigration fraud in the United States
Laye Sekou Camara, high-ranking member of the LURD group, has been sentenced on 11th September to 57 months in prison by the District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. On 16 January 2025, he plead guilty to four counts of immigration fraud.
Spanish court reopens investigation into international crimes allegedly committed by Spanish national during civil war in Sierra Leone
On 30 June 2025, the Audiencia Nacional, the Spanish court entrusted with jurisdiction over international crimes committed abroad, reopened the pre-trial investigation into international crimes allegedly committed by a Spanish national during the civil war that ravaged Sierra Leone from 1991 to 2002.
Civitas Maxima Director found victim of defamation
On May 27, a Swiss Court found Mr. Alan White, a U.S citizen, guilty of the offence of defamation against Alain Werner, the Director of Civitas Maxima, for claiming that the criminal cases he pursued against Liberian nationals were based on false testimonies obtained in exchange for things of value, such as sums of money.
Liberia: Renew mandate to establish War Crimes Court – President should step up progress on justice for grave crimes
Liberian and international NGOs and civil society urge President Boakai to renew the executive order to establish a war crimes court. Justice for civil war victims requires sustained political will, a clear roadmap, and strong support to end decades of impunity for grave human rights violations.
Laye Sekou Camara, aka K-1, pleads guilty to all four counts of immigration fraud
Laye Sekou Camara, alleged high-ranking member of the LURD, who was due to stand trial for immigration fraud in Philadelphia, has plead guilty to all four counts of immigration fraud. He is due to be sentenced on 19 May 2025.
Alleged former Liberian rebel commander to stand trial for immigration fraud in Philadelphia, United States
Laye Sekou Camara, also known by his noms de guerre “General K-1” and “General Dragon Master”, is alleged to have participated in Liberia’s brutal second civil war as a high-ranking member of the LURD (Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy).
