UN wants speedy justice for Guinea sex offendersBy KEMO CHAM in Freetown | Monday, October 1  2012 at  15:06

New UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Sexual Violence in conflict Zainab Hawa Bangura has called for the swift prosecution of the culprits in Guinean during the 2009 political riots.

Ms Bangura said bringing the perpetrators to justice was long overdue.

The Sierra Leonean former Health minister vowed in a statement on Friday to eradicate sexual violence in conflict across the world.

On September 28, 2009, about 150 civilians were massacred and over 100 women subjected to various sexual abuses following protests at a football stadium in Conakry against the then junta's intention to remain in power against the will of the people.

An International Commission of Inquiry formed in the aftermath of the incident, suggested possible crimes against humanity.

The indictment earlier this month of the former Health minister under the Moussa Dadis Camara junta, Colonel Abdoulaye Chérif Diaby, was the second after charges were earlier levelled against another military strongman, Lieutenant Colonel Moussa Tiegboro Camara.

However, rights groups have dismissed these as insufficient.

“It is important that these and other charges are processed swiftly and thoroughly, as justice in Guinea has already been delayed for too long,” Ms Bangura's statement.

The UN official also called for urgent assistance to the survivors, and urged the Guinean Government to keep “known abusers” out of positions of authority.

Rights groups have queried the appointment of at least one suspect to a high position at the presidential security unit.

“Addressing these atrocities is crucial for fostering reconciliation, for trust in the justice system, and for a durable peace,” the statement by the office of the Sexual Violence in Conflict said.