Gambian lawyer and politician Essa Faal has defended his decision to represent former Liberian warlord Charles Taylor, who was charged with war crimes.

Taylor was sentenced to 50 years in prison in 2012 after being found guilty on all 11 counts, including rape, murder, and acts of terrorism, for his role in the Sierra Leone civil war.

Faal, who represented Taylor, has faced criticism from opponents who referred to Taylor as a “war criminal”.

In response, Faal dismissed the criticism, stating that he defended Taylor on a pro bono basis. He argued that any lawyer would welcome the opportunity to handle such a complex and high-profile case as a way to establish their reputation in the international criminal bar.

“People attack me because I haven’t explained this. But let me say this clearly, I represented Charles Taylor pro bono, completely for free,” he said.

He described the process as highly competive, with numerous renowned lawyers, vying for the case, but he was fortunate to be selected.

“All these lawyers wanted the case because it’s a badge of honour,” he stated, adding that he is only criticised in The Gambia for representing Charles Taylor, while he is praised internationally for taking on the case.

He added, “It’s only in The Gambia that I am castigated for having represented Charles Taylor. Everywhere else, people say ‘wow,’ because these are complex and high-profile cases that enhance your standing in the International Criminal Bar.”

By Adama Makasuba