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