Liberians on edge as they await Charles Taylor verdict

Judgment Day looms. Six years on, and former Liberian president Charles Taylor is about to learn his fate. What do his compatriots have to say?
By Cornelius Kullie, Monrovia

As the UN Special Court for Sierra Leone prepares to announce its ruling on Thursday, Monrovia is rocking with debates.
Guilty or not guilty? Expectations run high among supporters that Taylor will be found innocent. Meanwhile, some Liberians are convinced their ex-leader cannot escape the charges. [related-articles]
Word on the street
“Simply put it, I am as nervous as ever before, as I concentrate to hear the verdict,” says Daniel Jallah, a petty trader who supports Taylor. Despite what he says, Jallah appears relaxed. “Let me tell you that I am certain that President Taylor will walk free as long justice is fairly delivered.”
“All of the charges against Mr. Taylor were made-up, as we all observed during the trial,” asserts Linda George. “If the judges are really sincere and not being controlled by certain Western powers, then our former president is going to be set free, as I have always felt.”
John Dennis, a university student, is less optimistic about the prospect of an innocent ruling. “Given the preponderance of evidence brought against Mr. Taylor, I expect that the judges will find him in the wrong,” he says. “Let no one dream that Taylor will be freed.”
Of a similar mindset, Paul Nyen believes the defendant won’t be spared. As the commercial driver put it: “Our former president fought a good fight with his lawyer, but once Mr. Taylor is found guilty of one of the eleven counts of war crimes, surely he will face life imprisonment.”
“Remain calm and peaceful”
Amidst all the feverous anticipation, the Liberian government has been quick to call for order.
A statement issued late Tuesday by the office of President Sirleaf said: “The Government reaffirms its confidence in the international justice system, especially as a founding member of the United Nations, and believes that the outcome of the trial will be accepted by all Liberians irrespective of our differences. At the same time, the Government calls on all Liberians to remain calm and peaceful and to pray for the nation and peace.”
And so the world awaits the Taylor trial verdict and Liberia remains gripped – at least for one more night.