Richard Dicker Quotes

"We will look very carefully at how the judges respond to motions submitted by the defense, including requests for more time to allow adequate preparation."

"We have grave concerns that the court will not provide the fair trial guarantees required by international law. But it's not too late for the tribunal's judges to fix some of these problems if they take steps to ensure a fair trial."

"This reluctance to press Nigeria to hand over Taylor fosters a double standard that betrays the people of Sierra Leone,"

"The ICC must also look into abuses committed by the Ugandan army, ... If the court finds that these crimes don't fall within its limited mandate, it should make its findings available to the Ugandan authorities so that they can bring the perpetrators to justice. In doing so, the court must also be mindful of the security and confidentiality of its sources."

"A third country needs to offer a jail cell for Charles Taylor if he's convicted. Countries should be lining up to take Taylor, not backing away."

"There is an urgent need for a state to step forward. A prolonged delay would raise real questions about the commitment of the international community to international justice."

"The problem will occur if judges are not able to insulate the tribunal against that influence, ... If they are unable to do that, then there are going to be serious questions about the tribunal's fairness and credibility."

"The ICC must also look into abuses committed by the Ugandan army. If the court finds that these crimes don't fall within its limited mandate, it should make its findings available to the Ugandan authorities so that they can bring the perpetrators to justice. In doing so, the court must also be mindful of the security and confidentiality of its sources."

"if effective measures are not implemented to provide security for defense attorney who are clearly at risk."

"These trials are commencing in an environment of severe insecurity, ... Everyone participating in the trial participation in the trial process — judges, prosecutors, victims, witnesses and defense counsel are exposing themselves to grave risks."

"The problem will occur if judges are not able to insulate the tribunal against that influence. If they are unable to do that, then there are going to be serious questions about the tribunal's fairness and credibility."

"This is a disturbingly low threshold. It's a real anomaly that reflects Iraqi law but not developing international law."

"Now more than ever, we urge international donors to provide adequate funding so the court can complete its work successfully."

"A fair trial requires defense counsel who can defend their clients zealously, without fear of reprisal."

"To minimize the risks involved, the court must make sure the lawyers it appoints mount a vigorous defense."

"This is a historic step, but only a first step because the prosecutor has been silent about crimes by the Ugandan Army."

"Politically, it makes sense to be an exponent of justice."

"On the second anniversary of Charles Taylor's flight to Nigeria, his continued impunity is undermining the rule of law in West Africa and putting civilians in the region at risk."

"This is a disturbingly low threshold, ... It's a real anomaly that reflects Iraqi law but not developing international law."

"It was clear that Slobodan Milosevic was not conducting a legal defense to the charges he was facing."