The RUF trial saw the first-ever convictions for forced marriage as a crime against humanity, and for attacks against United Nations peacekeepers.
RUF Trial Timeline
7 March 2003 - Sesay and Kallon indicted.
16 April 2003 - Gbao indicted.
28 February 2004 - Trial Chamber orders a joint trial of the three Accused.
6 May 2004 - The indictment is amended to add forced marriage as a crime against humanity.
5 July 2004 - The trial opens before Trial Chamber I in Freetown.
2 August 2006 - The Prosecution concludes its case after calling 75 witnesses, 3 of them experts. One additional witness testified at the behest of the Defence.
25 October 2006 - The Trial Chamber dismisses Motions for Judgement of Acquittal.
3 May 2007 - The Defence opens its case. First Accused Issa Sesay is the first witness to testify.
5 July 2007 - Ruling on voir dire, that Sesay's statements to the prosecution were not voluntary and cannot be used to impeach his evidence.
24 June 2008 - The Defence concludes its case. Sesay called 59 witnesses, including (by subpoena) former President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah. Kallon called 22 witnesses, and Gbao called 8. Three witnesses were common to Sesay and Kallon, and one was common to Sesay and Gbao.
4-5 August 2008 - The Trial Chamber hears closing arguments.
25 February 2009 - Trial Judgment. The Trial Chamber finds Sesay and Kallon guilty on 16 of 18 counts, and Gbao guilty on 14 counts.
8 April 2009 - Sentencing Judgment. Sesay is sentenced to 52 years, Kallon to 40 years and Gbao to 25 years.
26 October 2009 - Appeal Judgment. The Appeals Chamber overturns Gbao's conviction on Count 2, but upholds the sentences imposed by the Trial Chamber.
31 October 2009 - The convicts are transferred to Mpanga Prison in Rwanda to serve their sentences.