Special Court for Sierra Leone
Press and Public Affairs Office

PRESS RELEASE
Freetown, Sierra Leone, 9 March 2004

Appeals Justices convene hearing on defence motion regarding Court President Justice Geoffrey Robertson

A bench of the Appeals Chamber of the Special Court for Sierra Leone convened for a brief hearing this afternoon regarding a defence motion requesting the disqualification of Court President Justice Geoffrey Robertson QC.

The judges, Justice Renate Winter, Justice Emmanuel Ayoola and Justice George Gelaga King, announced that, in accordance with Rule 15(A) of the Special Court's Rules of Procedure and Evidence, Justice Robertson has been requested to provide an indication in writing by Friday as to whether or not he will withdraw.

Justice Robertson was not present for the hearing, but the Court was informed that he would consider the matter shortly.

If Justice Robertson does not withdraw by 9:00 a.m. on Friday, the other Justices of the Appeals Chamber will proceed to a determination of the motion.

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