My appreciation also goes to the international community for the pressure mounted on Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo to have Charles Taylor extradited to Liberia.

Taylor's arrest last week has brought relief to many Liberians and Sierra Leoneans. It is also a relief indeed for people of the West African subregion, human rights activists and those concerned for democratisation, justice and transparency in the African continent, that this gang master has finally been caught and that he will face his sword of Damocles.

The determination and courage of Excellency, Mrs Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, President of Liberia, to bring justice to the victims of war by having Taylor extradited from Nigeria in order that he face trial in the UN Special Court in Freetown is a welcome and positive step towards human rights' development in Africa.

I am concerned that holding and trying him in Sierra Leone will destabilise the West African region. Mrs Johnson-Sirleaf understands Taylor's strength and did not allow him to stay more than an hour in Liberia during his extradition from Nigeria. The Sierra Leone government, through its information minister, Septimus Kaikai, showed understanding of the situation by requesting that Taylor be transferred to The Hague. I support the request, and ask the people of Ireland for support.

I believe that allowing the case to be heard in The Hague will bring fairness to the trial. Also, the international community would be showing its support for those leaders of West Africa who are striving to bring stability and democratisation to the region. The trial would be transparent and open and seen for this at an international level.

Furthermore, holding the trial in The Hague will ensure that Charles Taylor is securely held.

Finally, I believe that holding the trial of Charles Taylor in The Hague will serve as a good lesson to many political leaders and warlords who mistreat and violate rights of other humans; that there is no escape from justice nowadays; and there is international solidarity now in action.

Nchedo Obi-Igweilo, 14 Gardiner Place, Dublin 1.