Supreme Court Judge Issac Lenaola has been elected as the Vice President of the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone.
In a statement on Thursday, the Judiciary noted that Lenaola was elected at the Court’s Plenary held in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
“We are delighted to announce that Honorable Justice Isaac Lenaola of Kenya was today. Thursday, February 29, elected unanimously as the Vice President of the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone at the Court’s Plenary held in Freetown, Sierra Leone,” the Judiciary announced.
The Judiciary also said Justice Lenaola’s wealth of experience and dedication to justice makes him a fitting choice for this prestigious role.
Lenaola will deputize Justice Richard Lussick of Samoa who was elected President of the court for a two-year term.
The Residual Special Court for Sierra is an ad hoc court and the successor to the Special Court for Sierra Leone, whose mandate includes; witness Protection and support response to threats related to testimony given before the SCSL and provides appropriate protection and support measures.
The special court also assists the National Prosecution Authorities in managing governmental requests for evidence and information to support investigations, prosecutions, forfeiture proceedings, and asylum cases ensuring that confidentiality obligations are upheld.
Further, it assists in managing the disclosure of exculpatory evidence and requests from other States for documents relevant to witness protection orders.
“The supervision of the enforcement of sentences is a continuing obligation that may extend until 2055. This supervision includes inspection of the conditions of imprisonment, as well as tracking of time served and dates of release, including early release, pardon, or commutation,” the Judiciary added.
One of the prisoners being supervised by the court is the Former President of Liberia, Charles Ghankay Taylor.
Justice Lenaola was appointed to the Court in 2013 by the then Secretary General of the United Nations, HE Ban Ki-Moon.
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