Transitional Justice in Sierra Leone (Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai Q&A)

Short Q&A with Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, founder of the Society for Democratic Initiatives in Sierra Leone on The Success and Challenges of Transitional Justice in Sierra Leone. In this brief interview, Emmanuel discusses how the Special Court for Sierra Leone used evidence from the Truth & Reconciliation Commission. He explains how the international community influenced the Special Court for Sierra Leone since civilians had first wanted to let go and move on. Emmanuel also discusses the reaction in Sierra Leone to the conviction of Charles Taylor by the international crime court, and how this increased the tension between Liberia and Sierra Leone. Emmanuel provides his opinion on giving amnesty to those who testified in the Truth & Reconciliation commission, that giving amnesty brought about peace from the rebels. He considers whether the resources spent on prosecuting and defending those involved in the conflict would be better spent on economic problems but concludes that justice, although intangible, is a necessary step in allowing the country to move on. Emmanuel says that commemoration is more important than money handouts for civilians because it will again assist in bringing unity to the country which is vital in going forward. The Q&A was filmed when Emmanuel spoke at the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law on 1 August 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. You can watch the full speech here:    • Transitional Justice in Sierra Leone (pres...   For more information about the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law, go to our website: http://www.law.monash.edu.au/castance...