Exclusive/ Liberia

Johnson claims he didn't massacre anyone

Article published on the 2009-01-15 Latest update 2009-01-15 17:12 TU

Prince Johnson.
(Photo : AFP)

In Liberia, a former rebel leader now turned politician has threatened resistance to his possible indictment for war crimes. Prince Johnson claims that Liberia's TRC, its Truth and Reconciliation Commission, has secretly drafted a document that lists the names of rebel leaders who should be indicted for crimes committed during the civil war.

Johnson -- who now claims to be a Christian evangelist -- says he will mobilize what he calls massive resistance to any attempt to arrest him. Prince Johnson has already told the TRC that his forces killed former president Samuel Doe.

His latest statement has raised concerns in Liberia where he is known for his ruthlessness.

Johnson was responsible for brutally killing Doe, first by cutting off his ears in front of television cameras.

Johnson spoke to RFI's John Kollie in an exclusive interview. Johnson denied that he had massacred people. "That can't be true. We didn't kill anybody who came to make peace," he said.