The Office of the Prosecution is appealing the decision in the case against Dutch businessman Guus K. who, on 7 June 2006, was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment by the District Court in The Hague. The sentence was imposed after the accused was found guilty of violating a Dutch weapons embargo implementing UN Security Council sanctions, by delivering weapons to the regime of former Liberian President Charles Taylor. However, Guus K was acquitted of other charges including his alleged complicity to violations of the laws and customs of war in Liberia and Guinea. The District Court of The Hague found that there was insufficient evidence to convict him of these crimes.

The Office of the Prosecution is now appealing the Court’s decision acquitting Guus K. of violations of the laws and customs of war. The Prosecution had sought a term of twenty years’ imprisonment.

Guus K.’s lawyer, Ms. Weski, announced earlier that the Dutch businessman will also appeal the verdict.