Ithaca College

Human Rights lawyer Theresa Harris will deliver a talk this evening on the first prosecution in the US Courts of a US citizen, for torture committed abroad. The talk and Q/A will take place today, April 11, 2013 at Business 204 from 7-9 pm. All are welcome 

Theresa Harris was part of a team that successfully prosecuted Boston Born US citizen Chuckie Taylor, for the torture of thousands of Liberians during his command of the Pro Government military unit – the Anti Terrorism Unit - set up to protect his father former Liberian President Charles Taylor from 1997 - 2003. 

Chuckie Taylor was taken into U.S. custody in March 2006 attempting to enter the United States at Miami International Airport. His father Charles Taylor had been surrendered the previous day to the Special Court for Sierra Leone to face charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during Sierra Leone’s decade-long conflict that ended in 2002.

Theresa will discuss the situation in Liberia, the facts underlying the case, and set out the legal framework for the criminal and civil cases in the US. She will also look at other types of potential cases and the gaps in U.S. laws implementing human rights norms such as corporate accountability.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact Kim Wojtanik (607) 274-3409, kwojtanik@ithaca.edu. We ask that requests for accommodations be made as soon as possible.