afrol News, 17 April - A close associate of the former President of Liberia, Charles, Taylor, has alleged that two white officers from the Special Court of Sierra Leone came to Liberia to kidnap a former business associate of Mr Taylor, Jungles James.

At a news conference in the Liberian capital Monrovia, Abel Massaley, told the press that he had suspected that the move was calculated purely to recruit bogus witnesses to testify against Mr Taylor, who is currently awaiting to be tried by the special court for his role in war and crimes against humanity.

Abel Massaley is a representative of the former Mr Taylor’s former ruling National Patriotic Party in the senate.

Mr Massaley added that the Mr James’ kidnappers were seen driving a jeep marked City 9. He said the alleged kidnapping took place on 2 March and since then nothing has been heard from Mr James.

Asked how the men had succeeded in their operations, Abel Massaley said the officers visited Mr James in his residence and make friendship with him.

However, news from some quarters contradict Abel Massaley’s allegations because Mr James was said to have willingly offered himself to testify against Mr Taylor, for he has got an axe to grind with him. He was said to be angry with Mr Taylor for cheating him in a diamond deal while he was still the President of Liberia.

The special court officials said they have got over 150 witnesses to testify against Mr Taylor on 4 June this year.

Mr Taylor’s attorneys earlier queried that their client was being monitored in cell through secret cameras. Their appeals to delay the case until September to allow them better prepare for the case was turned down.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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