Finland and the Special Court for Sierra Leone agree on execution of sentences

Press release 176/2009
29 June, 2009

Today, on 29 June, Finland and the Special Court for Sierra Leone signed and agreement between them concerning the execution of sentences pronounced by the Special Court. The agreement was signed in The Hague by Finnish Ambassador to the Netherlands Mikko Jokela and Deputy Registrar of the Special Court for Sierra Leone Binta Mansaray.

In accordance with the agreement signed today, prison sentences pronounced by the court can be executed also in Finland, in case Finland agrees with the request for execution of sentence on the basis of a case-by-case deliberation. The Special Court is mandated to try those who bear the greatest responsibility for serious violations of international humanitarian law and Sierra Leonean law committed in the territory of Sierra Leone since 30 November 1996. In all, thirteen indictments were issued by the Special Court, but three of the indicted persons have died and one has not been caught. It is estimated that the trials at the Special Court will be completed in 2010.

Finland has made a similar agreement also with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), trying crimes committed in the territory of the Former Yugoslavia. In connection with the ratification of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, Finland also made a decision about its readiness to receive persons sentenced to imprisonment by the ICC. The agreement concerning the issue is currently being finalised with the ICC.

The Special Court for Sierra was set up by a joint agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and the United Nations in 2002. The Special Court has also made agreements about execution of sentences with Sweden, Austria, Great Britain and Rwanda. The entry into force of the agreement signed with Finland requires an approval by the Finnish Parliament and the President of the Republic.

Additional information: Marja Lehto, Head of the Unit for Public International Law, tel. +358 9 16055 726