In Sierra Leone, the name of the 'Angel Gabriel' still stirs up controversy. And for good reason, the former commander and spokesperson of the rebel movement, the RUF, had the habit of telling his victims: "Tell God that it is I who am sending you."

But it is for his alleged role in crimes in neighboring Liberia that he is being tried, not for those committed in his own country. A former informant for the Special Court for Sierra Leone, Massaquoi had received immunity in 2008 after agreeing to denounce his former brothers-in-arms. This earned him asylum in Finland.

This immunity did not extend to crimes committed in Liberia. Thus he was able to be arrested in March 2020 following mobilization by NGOs, which proved the links between the RUF and the forces of the NPFL of President Charles Taylor in Liberia.

The Finnish judges therefore want to hear those who fought with him. Accused of murder, war crimes and aggravated crimes against humanity, Massaquoi faces life imprisonment if convicted.

Also read: The trial of the 'Angel Gabriel', former Sierra Leonean rebel leader, relocates to Liberia