Leading human rights advocates have condemned President Joseph Boakai’s decision to commission Lewis Brown, a former national security adviser to Charles Taylor, as Liberia’s ambassador to the United Nations. Mr. Brown was recommended for prosecution by the country’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission and could be one of those prosecuted by a future war and economic crimes court.
The Liberian Senate also appeared to downplay any concerns about Mr. Brown’s nomination when it unanimously confirmed him to the role in December. Advocates were hopeful that Mr. Boakai, who a year ago in his inaugural address rolled out his plans to establish a war and economic crimes court, would exercise his constitutional right to reject the nomination. They said it was untenable for Liberia to be asking for international support for a war crimes court when its chief diplomat was a prospective indictee to face the same court. Advocates say they were disappointed and stunned when the president commissioned Mr. Brown last Tuesday. Read more…
