Trial of accused Liberian war criminal begins in Switzerland

The war crimes trial of former Liberian rebel leader, Alieu Kosiah over alleged atrocities committed in the 1990s civil war has begun in Switzerland.

Kosiah is the first Liberian to face trial for the crimes committed during the conflict in the country between 1989 and 1996.

His trial had been scheduled to begin earlier this year but was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The victims of Kosiah’s alleged crimes will not be able to testify due to COVID-19 restrictions and are expected to do so next year.

He faces accusations of sexual violence, murders, cannibalism, recruitment of child soldiers and forcing civilians to work in cruel conditions, which he denies.