Sierra Leone: War criminal admits to violating release terms

A former militia leader convicted of war crimes during Sierra Leone's civil war has admitted to attending a political meeting, a violation of the terms of his early release.

Appearing in court on Friday, Moinina Fofana also acknowledged he had failed to check in with local police as required — another violation that prompted a judge to order his re-arrest last week.

Fofana was convicted by a United Nations-backed special court in 2007 of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder and cruel treatment. He received a 15-year sentence but was allowed to return to his community in March last year, making him the first person to be released after being convicted by the court.

The meeting Fofana attended last year was for the ruling All People's Congress party.