Taylor asks for pension

Convicted war criminal and former president of Liberia,Charles Taylor,has written a letter to the Liberian Senate find out why he has not received his benefits from the Government of Liberia. Taylor, who is serving a 50-year jail term after his conviction by the Special Court for Sierra Leone for war crimes and crimes against humanity, writes: “Sadly I am without notice as to why Finance Ministers of the Republic have failed and /or refused to comply with the law as it regards my immunities. The fact is that I have not received my humanities as set up under the laws as a former President of Liberia since I resigned the office on 11, August in 2003…” Citing sections of his country’sconstitution, he asked the Liberian Senate to ensure benefits and immunities due him as a former president,be paid him as required by the country’s constitution.The former president said thata new law in the country means that a pension of 50% of the salary of a president who retired to private life and is not gainfully employed be given to him. According to a local Liberian newspaper, the law also calls for the provision of a personal staff and other facilities in the amount not less than US $25,000.00 per year. Taylor entreated legislators to favourably consider his request saying “Justice must not only be done but must been seen to be done”. He also asked that as a citizen and former president of Liberia, he was entitled to counsel and diplomatic privileges; and members of his immediate family should be given diplomatic passports. The letter from the former President sparked a heated debate in the Senate which was presided over by its vice president, Joseph Boakai. There were several motions from senators for discussion and committee hearing. But they were defeated until a fifth motion was filed by Senator Mobutu Nyenpan of Sinoe County who called for the letter to be taken to committee room and be brought back in one week for discussion. Senator John Whitfield of Taylor’s NPP party defended him promising that he wouldseek legal action against the government of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf if it did not give Mr. Taylor his legal and constitutional immunities. The Grand Bassa lawmaker said thatTaylor’s claims had legal basis and should be considered favourably. Some Liberians say it is ironical that Taylor is asking for his entitlement when, while serving as President he did not implement the part of the constitution calling for immunities to be given former leaders and for families of former presidents Samuel K Doe and William R. Tolbert could benefit. Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, Horatio Bobby Willie who was spokesperson for the finance ministry during much of president Sirleaf’s first term,told a local Liberian newspaper that he was not aware of anything relating to the claims. Taylor resigned as president of Liberia in August 2003 after pressure from rebel fighters poised to overrun the capital, Monrovia. He was later handed over to the UN-backed special court for Sierra Leone.