MONROVIA – Courtenay Griffiths, the renowned British barrister who served as defense counsel for former Liberian President Charles Taylor at his war crimes trial, has died at the age of 70. His death was confirmed by the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone (RSCSL), which described the loss as a moment of “great sadness.”
Griffiths, a King’s Counsel (KC), represented Taylor on a pro bono basis beginning in August 2003. His defense of the former Liberian leader, who was tried and convicted for aiding and abetting atrocities committed during Sierra Leone’s brutal civil war, placed him at the center of one of the most closely watched international criminal trials in recent history.
A Facebook page featuring Taylor’s image issued a brief tribute following the news of Griffiths’ death, stating: “Sad day. You represented me with all your best at the ICC. RIP Courtenay Griffiths.”
Known for his sharp legal mind and commanding courtroom demeanor, Griffiths gained prominence for challenging the legitimacy of the Special Court proceedings, often accusing the court of targeting African leaders while ignoring similar crimes committed by Western powers. His critiques of the international justice system drew significant attention from both legal scholars and the public.
Griffiths argued that Taylor’s prosecution was politically motivated and maintained that his client had been unfairly singled out. Throughout the proceedings, he repeatedly clashed with the bench over procedural and jurisdictional issues, becoming a controversial but respected figure in international legal circles.
Born in Jamaica and raised in the United Kingdom, Griffiths had a long and distinguished legal career before taking on the Taylor case. As one of the UK’s most prominent Black barristers, he broke barriers within a historically exclusive profession and became known for his strong advocacy in high-profile criminal cases.
His defense of Charles Taylor was seen by many as both legally daring and morally complex. While some praised his dedication to the principles of due process and fair trial, others criticized his vigorous defense of a man ultimately convicted of some of the gravest crimes under international law.
Despite the controversy, Griffiths remained steadfast in his belief that every individual, regardless of accusation, deserves a competent and committed defense. “We must be careful that international justice does not become the instrument of international power,” he once warned during a widely cited public lecture.
His passing has sparked reactions across legal and political communities, particularly in Liberia and Sierra Leone, where memories of the civil conflict remain vivid. Many who followed the Taylor trial saw Griffiths not just as a lawyer, but as a central figure in the unfolding of a historic legal drama that continues to shape debates on accountability and justice in post-conflict societies.
The Residual Special Court has yet to announce whether an official tribute will be held in his honor. However, many of his former peers and critics alike agree that Courtenay Griffiths leaves behind a legacy marked by fierce advocacy, principled dissent, and an enduring imprint on the landscape of international criminal law.
Griffiths is survived by his family and a body of work that continues to influence discourse around justice, power, and the role of law in global affairs.
