LIBERIA: NO TARGETING OF CHUCKIE TAYLOR SUPPORTERS

UNCLAS MONROVIA 000569 SIPDIS DEPT FOR DRL AND AF/W E.O.12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PREL PGOV KWMN KCRM KDEM LI SUBJECT: LIBERIA: NO TARGETING OF CHUCKIE TAYLOR SUPPORTERS REF: A) MONROVIA 547 B) 7/30/2009 SPIDLE-KOUTSIS EMAIL ¶1. THIS IS AN ACTION REQUEST. Please see paragraph 7. ¶2. SUMMARY. Embassy requests that DRL transmit the following information to Department of Homeland Security (DHS). There have been no reports of threats or intimidation against former President Charles Taylor, his son "Chuckie" Taylor, their families, residences, or supporters. Supporters of former President Taylor live openly in society, operate successful businesses, and some hold public office. END SUMMARY. ¶3. The security situation in Liberia continues to improve and post has received no reports that supporters of "Chuckie" Taylor are being attacked or harmed. Ten defense witnesses from the "Chuckie" Taylor trial returned to Liberia from October to December 2008. None of them have been targeted since their return, either by the government or private individuals. Nor have there been any threats made against any other supporters of "Chuckie" Taylor. ¶4. The private residence of Former president Charles Taylor "White Flower" remains under the control of his family. No attacks on the house or threats against the residents have been made. Plantations and other property in Monrovia are maintained by the Taylor family. The government has not made any effort to seize the property despite the fact that some have overdue taxes. ¶5. Former fighters and supporters of different factions who are known to have committed human rights abuses are not allowed to join the Armed Forces of Liberia, the Liberia National Police or other government security institutions. They are otherwise not subjected to any discriminatory practices. Many politicians who supported Charles Taylor in the past now hold public office, such as Taylor's ex-wife Jewel Howard Taylor. Taylor's National Patriotic Party is allowed to assemble freely and holds a number of seats in the Legislature. Also several of Taylor's staunch supporters hold positions in the administration. ¶6. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its final report on July 1, recommending a series of mechanisms to deal with those who committed atrocities during the civil war or who benefitted from the war, from prosecution to community reconciliation. They come from all parties and factions. The government is now debating the next steps in the reconciliation process. To date, no one has stood trial for activities during the war. ¶7. ACTION REQUEST: Post requests that DRL pass the above information to DHS officers per a 7/31/2009 request from DHS for information (Ref B). THOMAS-GREENFIELD