Laye Sekou Camara, alleged high-ranking member of the LURD (Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy), who was due to stand trial for immigration fraud in Philadelphia beginning on Tuesday, January 21 pleaded guilty on Thursday, January 16 to all four counts of immigration fraud. 

Camara is due to be sentenced on May 19 and remains released on bail until then. He faces a maximum possible sentence of 40 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Hassan Bility, Director of the Global Justice and Research Project (GJRP), said from Monrovia: “This is a red-letter day in fight for justice and for the victims of Liberia’s brutal, bush and banditry civil wars that unjustifiably claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of innocent people. This a victory for the courageous victims who have defied all intimidating tactics employed by the jack boot-wearing and fire-breathing war lords of Liberia.”

Camara’s plea admits that he lied to U.S. immigration authorities about his role in the LURD rebel faction during the civil war to enter the country, and later to obtain a permanent residency card, or ‘green card.’

While Camara through his attorney has denied the allegations that he committed war crimes, 16 Liberian witnesses had traveled to Philadelphia and were ready to testify to Camera’s alleged role in Liberia’s brutal second civil war.

According to their accounts as detailed in the pre-trial material, Camara, also known by his noms de guerre “General K-1” and “General Dragon Master,” participated in numerous atrocities.

One witness who lost his sister in an attack on their village, describes K-1 as being infamous, and especially notorious for shooting into crowds of civilians.

While the trial will no longer take place, the judge has scheduled a two-day pre-sentence evidentiary hearing on January 23-24 in order to enable the Liberian witnesses to enter their accounts on the record.

Their statements, along with submissions from the prosecutors and defense lawyers, will be considered by the judge in determining Camara’s sentence in May.

A victory for the victims of Liberia’s civil wars

Camara’s case is the third public criminal prosecution and third conviction in Philadelphia related to the Liberian civil wars, following those of Mohammed Jabbateh aka “Jungle Jabbah”, former ULIMO commander, and Thomas Woewiyu, former NPFL spokesman and Minister of Defense.

With the trial of Moses Wright scheduled for later this year, it is the fourth criminal case in which Civitas Maxima and its Liberia-based sister organization, the Global Justice and Research Project (GJRP), have provided assistance to U.S. authorities.

While Camara has not been judged for his crimes during the civil war, his case is nevertheless a victory for the victims of Liberia’s civil wars and a testament to their courage and determination as they continue to seek justice, even beyond Liberia’s borders, after so many years.

The case is also an urgent reminder of the need to push forward in efforts that would enable victims to seek justice in Liberia.

It is imperative that the government of Liberia take quick action to equip the Special War Crimes Court with the resources and expertise it needs to bring meaningful justice in the country.