52 Quotes by Richard Dicker

There is an urgent need for a state to step forward. A prolonged delay would raise real questions about the commitment of the international community to international justice.

I think we need to dial down our expectations of the history-telling functions of these trials.

I think there is a danger ... of this spinning out of control,

I think there have been real difficulties and problems in the Milosevic trial. What will be important is the evidence that was presented to indicate the motivation and intent of Milosevic.

I think indeed that these trials need to be conducted on a more focused basis than the Milosevic trial was. Of necessity, some of these criminal trials will not be able to tell anywhere near the full story of what happened.

The problem will occur if judges are not able to insulate the tribunal against that influence. If they are unable to do that, then there are going to be serious questions about the tribunal's fairness and credibility.

To minimize the risks involved, the court must make sure the lawyers it appoints mount a vigorous defense.

We call on all governmental and inter-governmental actors in West Africa to ensure Taylor promptly appears for trial. The U.N. peacekeeping forces in Liberia and Sierra Leone will need to play their role to ensure justice can be done while stability in West Africa is maintained.

We have grave concerns that the court will not provide the fair trial guarantees required by international law, ... But it's not too late for the tribunal's judges to fix some of these problems if they take steps to ensure a fair trial.