Sierra Leone war crimes court prosecutor steps down

Prosecutor Joseph Kamara is leaving the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone.  He leaves the war crimes court, which is finalising its last trial, to take up his new job as head of Sierra Leone’s anti-corruption commission.
By Thijs Bouwknegt
Chief Prosecutor for the SCSL, Brenda Hollis hailed her Sierra Leonean deputy as a man of “the highest standards and integrity.”
Hollis said Mr Kamara would be missed, adding that “since his arrival at the Office of the Prosecutor, he has served the people of Sierra Leone in the Court’s quest to bring justice for the horrific crimes committed against innocent men, women and children. He is leaving the Office of the Prosecutor to continue to serve the people of Sierra Leone in his new capacity.”
Mr Kamara joined the SCSL in January 2004 and was appointed Deputy Prosecutor in August 2008, the first Sierra Leonean to occupy the post. He also served as Acting Prosecutor.
The tribunal, which was set up to deal with "those most responsible" for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during Sierra Leone's civil war is about to finish its work. All proceedings at the main courthouse in Sierra Leone's capital Freetown have been closed.
The court's last trial continues in The Hague, where Liberian president Charles Taylor must answer accusations of fueling the Sierra Leone war and atrocities.