07-25-2019, 05:26 PM
July 25th, 2019
"All rise", was, by this stage, a familiar phrase to the regular attendees of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Over the past four months or so, weekly sessions of the TRC had produced surprising revelations, some courtroom bickering, and even the rare chuckle or two, but the same bailiff crying 'all rise' at the beginning of each session was almost a source of comfort; almost a reassurance, if it was even necessary, that the process was sound. Today was to be the final sitting of the TRC and verdicts were to be pronounced. With the recent election of a new Lauchenoirian government, and the subsequent adoption of a new constitution in that country, today marked what all hoped would be the end of the sorry chapter that was the Second Lauchenoirian Civil War.
The scraping of chairs on hardwood floor filled the chamber as Chief Judge Sylvia Churcher entered for the final time. As she walked to her seat, her eyes scanned the room. Her face gave no hints as to the verdicts and sentences she was about to cast down. She was an experienced, wise jurist, and knew impartiality and even opaqueness to a degree was important to her role. Coaxed out of retirement, she took her role in the TRC seriously. She had to weigh justice for victims against the necessary healing of a nation.
As she took her seat, the room clamoured once more with the pushing and pulling of furniture, a noise all to familiar to the woman who spent over forty years in courtrooms not dissimilar to this. For the first time throughout the process, the chair on the tier immediately below the judge's own desk was empty. No Clerk of the Court today. Today was a day for the casting of judgement and for the font of mercy and justice to be dispensed.
There was an eerie silence throughout the courtroom as Churcher continued to survey her attendees.
"Today marks the end of of the first stage of renewal for the International Democratic Union, and Lauchenoiria in particular, after a tragic period of violence", Churcher began. Her eyes, deep pools of brown, showed no emotion as she spoke. "The judgements being made today have not been taken lightly. I, and my staff, have reviewed reams of evidence, and I have given particular consideration and weight to the arguments of the advocates who appeared before me. I thank them all for their time and their diligence." She paused, not for the sake of the dramatic, but to ensure her words, chosen carefully, were absorbed by those listening.
"I have no desire to wax lyrical about the Second Lauchenorian Civil War, nor do I wish to delay unnecessarily very necessary justice. I shall pronounce verdicts in each case first, and then shall announce the sentence for each." Churcher opened a thick, black leather pad, the cover of which gave a slight, but audible, thud as it hit the wooden desk.
"So let's begin", she said, no hint of a smile. Business was being done. Justice was being done.
"In the case of TRC-A-01, Lauchenoiria v. Conternia, I find the Republic of Conternia at fault for the bombing of Melissa City, and the kidnapping of of Michael Antonin." Churcher didn't look up or even slow down to allow the first verdict to settle in. She moved straight to the next one.
"In the case of TRC-A-02, Lauchenoiria v. Griffiths, I find Ezra Griffiths guilty of the approval of crimes of war against Melissa City and its inhabitants."
"In the case of TRC-A-03, Lauchenoiria v. Kerlile, I find the Matriarchy of Kerlile at fault for the deliberate and wanton mistreatment of Prisoners of War, as well as the torture and execution of Prisoners of War."
"In the case of TRC-A-04, Lauchenoiria v. Greenwood, I find the allegations against Joanna Greenwood unproven, and find her therefore not guilty."
"In the case of TRC-A-05, Lauchenoiria v. Casci, the defendant has pled guilty, and I submit that finding to the record."
"In the case of TRC-A-06, Lauchenoiria v. Patel, I find Anita Patel guilty of the orchestration of the mistreatment, torture, and execution of Prisoners of War."
"In the case of TRC-A-07, Lauchenoiria v. Pierre, I find the allegations against Pauline Pierre unproven, and find her therefore not guilty."
"In the case of TRC-A-08, Lauchenoiria v. Clarke, I find Charissa Clarke guilty of murder, of the ordering of an execution of a POW, and of identity fraud."
"In the case of TRC-A-09, Lauchenoiria v. Conde, the defendant has pled guilty, and I submit that finding to the record."
"In the case of TRC-A-10, Lauchenoiria v. Littlewood, the defendant has pled guilty, and I submit that finding to the record."
"In the case of TRC-A-11, Lauchenoiria v. Docherty, the defendant has pled guilty, and I submit that finding to the record."
"In the case of TRC-A-12, Lauchenoiria v. Yulov, the defendant has pled guilty, and I submit that finding to the record."
"In the case of TRC-A-13, Lauchenoiria v. Iovavik, the defendant has pled guilty, and I submit that finding to the record."
"In the case of TRC-A-14, Lauchenoiria v. Udr, the defendant has pled guilty, and I submit that finding to the record."
"In the case of TRC-A-15, Lauchenoiria v. Hale, I find the defendant not guilty of orchestrating an illegal attack." Churcher paused, for the first time since beginning her recitation of verdicts. Her eyes narrowed slightly at the Lauchenoirian advocate, Mr. Arenas, before continuing. "However since the issue of identity fraud, usually a domestic issue, was brought up in Lauchenoiria v. Clarke, I would find it remiss of this Commission not to consider that here too. I find the defendant guilty of identity fraud." Without pausing for a reaction, Churcher launched back into her list of verdicts.
"In the case of TRC-A-16, Lauchenoiria v. Juárez, the defendant has pled guilty, and I submit that finding to the record."
"In the case of TRC-A-17, Lauchenoiria v. Moore, I find the allegations against Laura Moore unproven, and find her therefore not guilty."
"In the case of TRC-A-18, Lauchenoiria v. Kelley, I find the defendant not guilty."
"In the case of TRC-A-19, Lauchenoiria v. Santos, the defendant has pled guilty, and I submit that finding to the record."
"In the case of TRC-B-06, Laeral v. Sanchez, the defendant has pled guilty, and I submit that finding to the record."
"In the case of TRC-B-07, Laeral v. Long, the defendant has pled guilty, and I submit that finding to the record."
"In the case of TRC-C-04, Libertas Omnium Maximus v. Chevroux, I find the defendant guilty of orchestrating a terrorist attack."
"In the case of TRC-D-01, Kerlile v. Libertas Omnium Maximus, I find the Republic of Libertas Omnium Maximus at fault for the use of excessive force against and the deliberate endangering of civilians in war time."
Churcher now, for the first time, took a breath. She looked at her courtroom. "I will move on to the sentencing of those found guilty." She took a sip of water from the glass before her, and set off once more.
"The Republic of Conternia. For the bombing of Melissa City, and the abduction of a Lauchenoirian citizen, your nation is fined 150 million Sanctarian pounds, payable to the Federation of Lauchenoiria."
"Ezra Griffiths. For the orchestration of the bombing of Melissa City, the convicted is sentencing to 15 years in a Sanctarian prison."
"The Matriarchy of Kerlile. For the mistreatment, torture, and execution of Prisoners of War, you nation is fined 450 million Sanctarian pounds, payable to the Divine Federation of Sanctaria, who will disperse to the victims and families of the victims of your cruelty. Further, all nations that are signatories to the Haven Accords shall be forbidden from executing trade and other favourable international deals with your nation for a period of five years."
"Lucia Casci. For the orchestration of kidnapping and torture of civilians and prisoners of war, the convicted is sentenced to 15 years in a Sanctarian prison."
"Anita Patel. For the orchestration of the mistreatment, torture, and execution of Prisoners of War, the convicted is sentenced to 20 years in a Sanctarian prison. The Matriarchy of Kerlile will extradite Patel to the Divine Federation of Sanctaria. I would remind the Matriarchy of Kerlile that failure to do so will be considered, not just a breach of the Haven Accords, but an attack against the justice system of the Divine Federation - an act which the Supreme Court of Sanctaria considers an exemption to our neutrality clause."
"Charissa Clarke. For the murder of Suleman Caher, ordering the murder of Leanna Walker, and identity fraud, including travelling to Sanctaria on a false passport, the convicted is sentence to 25 years in a Sanctarian prison."
"Chloe Conde. For executing and ordering the execution of prisoners of war, the convicted is sentenced to 25 years in a Sanctarian prison."
"Amanda Littlewood. For the mistreatment of prisoners of war, the convicted is sentenced to 15 years in a Sanctarian prison."
"Gregor Docherty. For the illegal blockade of the island of Aeluria, resulting in deaths of innocent civilians, the convicted is sentenced to 10 years in a Sanctarian prison."
"Henrik Yulov. For the ordering fire on innocent civilians, resulting in death and injury, the convicted is sentenced to 10 years in a Sanctarian prison."
"Karl Iovavik. For firing on innocent civilians, resulting in death and injury, the convicted is sentenced to 8 years in a Sanctarian prison."
"Franzik Udr. For firing on innocent civilians, resulting in death and injury, the convicted is sentenced to 8 years in a Sanctarian prison."
"Jennifer Hale. For identity fraud and travelling on an illegal passport, the convicted is sentenced to 18 months probation, and is to be banned from travelling outside the Matriarchy of Kerlile for 4 years."
"Victoria Juárez. For the mistreatment of prisoners of war, the convicted is sentenced to 10 years in a Sanctarian prison."
"Anthony Santos. For the murder of Leanna Walker, and the torture of several prisoners of war, the convicted is sentenced to 20 years in a Sanctarian prison."
"Eduardo Sanchez. For enabling crimes of war to be committed, and for failure to protect men under his command from committing crimes of war, the convicted is sentenced to 15 years in a Sanctarian prison."
"Henderson Long. For the attempted assassination of Nicholas Brennan, and the injury of innocent civilians, I commit the convincted to a Sanctarian psychiatric institution for 10 years, or until he is deemed to be mentally fit to re-enter society, whichever is later."
"Melanie Chevroux. For the orchestration of a terrorist attack, the convicted is sentenced to 15 years in a Sanctarian prison."
" The Republic of Libertas Omnium Maximus. For the use of excessive force against and the deliberate endangering of civilians in war time, your nation is fined 150 million Sanctarian pounds, payable to the Federation of Lauchenoiria." Churcher straightened up, and took off her reading glasses as she finished reading.
"Judgement having been cast, and the fonts of justice and mercy having been availed of, I pronounce this Commission over."
"All rise", the booming voice returned. More scraping of chairs, but with a different emotion in the room this time. Anger. Relief. It was hard to say. Churcher didn't even look at the room as she exited to her right - she was returning to retirement, albeit with heavier security than she had originally anticipated.
"All rise", was, by this stage, a familiar phrase to the regular attendees of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Over the past four months or so, weekly sessions of the TRC had produced surprising revelations, some courtroom bickering, and even the rare chuckle or two, but the same bailiff crying 'all rise' at the beginning of each session was almost a source of comfort; almost a reassurance, if it was even necessary, that the process was sound. Today was to be the final sitting of the TRC and verdicts were to be pronounced. With the recent election of a new Lauchenoirian government, and the subsequent adoption of a new constitution in that country, today marked what all hoped would be the end of the sorry chapter that was the Second Lauchenoirian Civil War.
The scraping of chairs on hardwood floor filled the chamber as Chief Judge Sylvia Churcher entered for the final time. As she walked to her seat, her eyes scanned the room. Her face gave no hints as to the verdicts and sentences she was about to cast down. She was an experienced, wise jurist, and knew impartiality and even opaqueness to a degree was important to her role. Coaxed out of retirement, she took her role in the TRC seriously. She had to weigh justice for victims against the necessary healing of a nation.
As she took her seat, the room clamoured once more with the pushing and pulling of furniture, a noise all to familiar to the woman who spent over forty years in courtrooms not dissimilar to this. For the first time throughout the process, the chair on the tier immediately below the judge's own desk was empty. No Clerk of the Court today. Today was a day for the casting of judgement and for the font of mercy and justice to be dispensed.
There was an eerie silence throughout the courtroom as Churcher continued to survey her attendees.
"Today marks the end of of the first stage of renewal for the International Democratic Union, and Lauchenoiria in particular, after a tragic period of violence", Churcher began. Her eyes, deep pools of brown, showed no emotion as she spoke. "The judgements being made today have not been taken lightly. I, and my staff, have reviewed reams of evidence, and I have given particular consideration and weight to the arguments of the advocates who appeared before me. I thank them all for their time and their diligence." She paused, not for the sake of the dramatic, but to ensure her words, chosen carefully, were absorbed by those listening.
"I have no desire to wax lyrical about the Second Lauchenorian Civil War, nor do I wish to delay unnecessarily very necessary justice. I shall pronounce verdicts in each case first, and then shall announce the sentence for each." Churcher opened a thick, black leather pad, the cover of which gave a slight, but audible, thud as it hit the wooden desk.
"So let's begin", she said, no hint of a smile. Business was being done. Justice was being done.
"In the case of TRC-A-01, Lauchenoiria v. Conternia, I find the Republic of Conternia at fault for the bombing of Melissa City, and the kidnapping of of Michael Antonin." Churcher didn't look up or even slow down to allow the first verdict to settle in. She moved straight to the next one.
"In the case of TRC-A-02, Lauchenoiria v. Griffiths, I find Ezra Griffiths guilty of the approval of crimes of war against Melissa City and its inhabitants."
"In the case of TRC-A-03, Lauchenoiria v. Kerlile, I find the Matriarchy of Kerlile at fault for the deliberate and wanton mistreatment of Prisoners of War, as well as the torture and execution of Prisoners of War."
"In the case of TRC-A-04, Lauchenoiria v. Greenwood, I find the allegations against Joanna Greenwood unproven, and find her therefore not guilty."
"In the case of TRC-A-05, Lauchenoiria v. Casci, the defendant has pled guilty, and I submit that finding to the record."
"In the case of TRC-A-06, Lauchenoiria v. Patel, I find Anita Patel guilty of the orchestration of the mistreatment, torture, and execution of Prisoners of War."
"In the case of TRC-A-07, Lauchenoiria v. Pierre, I find the allegations against Pauline Pierre unproven, and find her therefore not guilty."
"In the case of TRC-A-08, Lauchenoiria v. Clarke, I find Charissa Clarke guilty of murder, of the ordering of an execution of a POW, and of identity fraud."
"In the case of TRC-A-09, Lauchenoiria v. Conde, the defendant has pled guilty, and I submit that finding to the record."
"In the case of TRC-A-10, Lauchenoiria v. Littlewood, the defendant has pled guilty, and I submit that finding to the record."
"In the case of TRC-A-11, Lauchenoiria v. Docherty, the defendant has pled guilty, and I submit that finding to the record."
"In the case of TRC-A-12, Lauchenoiria v. Yulov, the defendant has pled guilty, and I submit that finding to the record."
"In the case of TRC-A-13, Lauchenoiria v. Iovavik, the defendant has pled guilty, and I submit that finding to the record."
"In the case of TRC-A-14, Lauchenoiria v. Udr, the defendant has pled guilty, and I submit that finding to the record."
"In the case of TRC-A-15, Lauchenoiria v. Hale, I find the defendant not guilty of orchestrating an illegal attack." Churcher paused, for the first time since beginning her recitation of verdicts. Her eyes narrowed slightly at the Lauchenoirian advocate, Mr. Arenas, before continuing. "However since the issue of identity fraud, usually a domestic issue, was brought up in Lauchenoiria v. Clarke, I would find it remiss of this Commission not to consider that here too. I find the defendant guilty of identity fraud." Without pausing for a reaction, Churcher launched back into her list of verdicts.
"In the case of TRC-A-16, Lauchenoiria v. Juárez, the defendant has pled guilty, and I submit that finding to the record."
"In the case of TRC-A-17, Lauchenoiria v. Moore, I find the allegations against Laura Moore unproven, and find her therefore not guilty."
"In the case of TRC-A-18, Lauchenoiria v. Kelley, I find the defendant not guilty."
"In the case of TRC-A-19, Lauchenoiria v. Santos, the defendant has pled guilty, and I submit that finding to the record."
"In the case of TRC-B-06, Laeral v. Sanchez, the defendant has pled guilty, and I submit that finding to the record."
"In the case of TRC-B-07, Laeral v. Long, the defendant has pled guilty, and I submit that finding to the record."
"In the case of TRC-C-04, Libertas Omnium Maximus v. Chevroux, I find the defendant guilty of orchestrating a terrorist attack."
"In the case of TRC-D-01, Kerlile v. Libertas Omnium Maximus, I find the Republic of Libertas Omnium Maximus at fault for the use of excessive force against and the deliberate endangering of civilians in war time."
Churcher now, for the first time, took a breath. She looked at her courtroom. "I will move on to the sentencing of those found guilty." She took a sip of water from the glass before her, and set off once more.
"The Republic of Conternia. For the bombing of Melissa City, and the abduction of a Lauchenoirian citizen, your nation is fined 150 million Sanctarian pounds, payable to the Federation of Lauchenoiria."
"Ezra Griffiths. For the orchestration of the bombing of Melissa City, the convicted is sentencing to 15 years in a Sanctarian prison."
"The Matriarchy of Kerlile. For the mistreatment, torture, and execution of Prisoners of War, you nation is fined 450 million Sanctarian pounds, payable to the Divine Federation of Sanctaria, who will disperse to the victims and families of the victims of your cruelty. Further, all nations that are signatories to the Haven Accords shall be forbidden from executing trade and other favourable international deals with your nation for a period of five years."
"Lucia Casci. For the orchestration of kidnapping and torture of civilians and prisoners of war, the convicted is sentenced to 15 years in a Sanctarian prison."
"Anita Patel. For the orchestration of the mistreatment, torture, and execution of Prisoners of War, the convicted is sentenced to 20 years in a Sanctarian prison. The Matriarchy of Kerlile will extradite Patel to the Divine Federation of Sanctaria. I would remind the Matriarchy of Kerlile that failure to do so will be considered, not just a breach of the Haven Accords, but an attack against the justice system of the Divine Federation - an act which the Supreme Court of Sanctaria considers an exemption to our neutrality clause."
"Charissa Clarke. For the murder of Suleman Caher, ordering the murder of Leanna Walker, and identity fraud, including travelling to Sanctaria on a false passport, the convicted is sentence to 25 years in a Sanctarian prison."
"Chloe Conde. For executing and ordering the execution of prisoners of war, the convicted is sentenced to 25 years in a Sanctarian prison."
"Amanda Littlewood. For the mistreatment of prisoners of war, the convicted is sentenced to 15 years in a Sanctarian prison."
"Gregor Docherty. For the illegal blockade of the island of Aeluria, resulting in deaths of innocent civilians, the convicted is sentenced to 10 years in a Sanctarian prison."
"Henrik Yulov. For the ordering fire on innocent civilians, resulting in death and injury, the convicted is sentenced to 10 years in a Sanctarian prison."
"Karl Iovavik. For firing on innocent civilians, resulting in death and injury, the convicted is sentenced to 8 years in a Sanctarian prison."
"Franzik Udr. For firing on innocent civilians, resulting in death and injury, the convicted is sentenced to 8 years in a Sanctarian prison."
"Jennifer Hale. For identity fraud and travelling on an illegal passport, the convicted is sentenced to 18 months probation, and is to be banned from travelling outside the Matriarchy of Kerlile for 4 years."
"Victoria Juárez. For the mistreatment of prisoners of war, the convicted is sentenced to 10 years in a Sanctarian prison."
"Anthony Santos. For the murder of Leanna Walker, and the torture of several prisoners of war, the convicted is sentenced to 20 years in a Sanctarian prison."
"Eduardo Sanchez. For enabling crimes of war to be committed, and for failure to protect men under his command from committing crimes of war, the convicted is sentenced to 15 years in a Sanctarian prison."
"Henderson Long. For the attempted assassination of Nicholas Brennan, and the injury of innocent civilians, I commit the convincted to a Sanctarian psychiatric institution for 10 years, or until he is deemed to be mentally fit to re-enter society, whichever is later."
"Melanie Chevroux. For the orchestration of a terrorist attack, the convicted is sentenced to 15 years in a Sanctarian prison."
" The Republic of Libertas Omnium Maximus. For the use of excessive force against and the deliberate endangering of civilians in war time, your nation is fined 150 million Sanctarian pounds, payable to the Federation of Lauchenoiria." Churcher straightened up, and took off her reading glasses as she finished reading.
"Judgement having been cast, and the fonts of justice and mercy having been availed of, I pronounce this Commission over."
"All rise", the booming voice returned. More scraping of chairs, but with a different emotion in the room this time. Anger. Relief. It was hard to say. Churcher didn't even look at the room as she exited to her right - she was returning to retirement, albeit with heavier security than she had originally anticipated.