Source: https://www.theidu.us/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1910&p=18442
Timestamp: 2019-04-21 22:01:33+00:00

Document:
The cavernous, wooden-panelled room was a relic from the apex of the former Papal States of Sanctaria, but the Old Courthouse in Nicene was the perfect venue for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's hearings and judgements. Nicene, the capital of the Sanctarian state of Galvium, was an old port city, and one of the largest within the Divine Federation. Legend has it that it was at Nicene the first Patriarch of the Sanctarian Catholic Church, Julius, landed and began would would be a millenium-long dominance of the western Hespian continent. In the twenty-first century, however, the city would instead of birthing a warmongering theocratic state, would seek to resolve peace within a far off state in the region of the International Democratic Union.
Chosen for this task by the Group Special Envoy, Robert Smyth, was Sylvia Churcher, an experienced Sanctarian jurist. Many court reporters called her firm but compassionate, but Churcher's love was for facts. She understood the important of proportional responses, but to find out the facts was her main priority. It made her a natural choice for the role of Chief Judge of the Commission.
The stage was set. The adjudicator was in position. And the players were here too. At noon exactly, the courtroom doors were opened by bailiffs of the Sanctarian Court System, on secondment to the Commission. Parties from both sides of the conflict were seated amongst each other in the audience gallery, while the tables normally reserved for the prosecution and defence were empty; between them stood a strongly built, solid wood podium, something usually missing from a courtroom. Empty too was the imposing bench at which the Chief Judge would sit. Below sat the Clerk of the Commission, who, at 15 minutes past the hour, rose and solemnly declared "Oh yea, Oh yea. All rise for the Right Honorable, the Chief Judge Sylvia Chucher CLR, presiding judge of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission". The scrapes of chairs against floors was high-pitched and slightly painful to those with sensitive hearing, but all parties obliged. Not yet was the time for grandstanding, many of them thought.
Churcher walked slowly to her chair with its overview of the entire room. At 69, Churcher wasn't necessarily old, but she had been looking forward to her retirement before being called back to the bench for this final adjudication. Her brown eyes were dark, impenetrable pools of wisdom, and her poker face was second to none. This would not be an easy judge for the participants to read. Taking her seat, she nodded to the Clerk who ordered all present to sit down, and then began the proceedings.
"The Rt. Hon. Chief Judge Churcher requests those who have business before the court to approach the podium and submit their grievances for the resolution of the court. Parties shall be called in order to submit, briefly, who they represent, and what party they claim to have grievances with. No arguments shall be presented at this time, the court simply requires the aggrieved name, the alleged aggressor's name, and a brief summation of the grievance in question. Alleged aggressors may be both state and non-state actors. I invite the provision government of Lauchenoiria to begin". The Clerk a seat, and Churcher took up her pen, eagerly anticipating the beginning of what she hoped would be the final conclusion to the Lauchenoirian conflict.
Tomás Arenas had begun his career during the time of the authoritarian communist regime in Lauchenoiria, and continued it under liberal capitalism just the same. What mattered to Arenas was justice. And when the provisional government asked him to present their cases to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, he was all too willing to oblige.
Arenas approached the podium as asked.
“Thank you, your honour,” he said, then took a deep breath. The list of grievances submitted by the provisional government was rather long.
“Firstly, the Provisional Government of Lauchenoiria would like judgement cast against the Republic of Conternia for orchestrating the bombing of Melissa City Police Department and the kidnapping of Professor Michael Antonin. Secondly, the same party would like judgement cast against Ezra Griffiths, former Prime Minister of Conternia, for approving these terrorist activities in Melissa City.
Thirdly, the same party would like judgement cast against the Matriarchy of Kerlile for orchestrating the widespread mistreatment and torture of numerous Prisoners of War. Fourthly, the same party would like judgement cast against President Joanna Greenwood for orchestrating numerous activities leading to the death of innocent parties. Fifthly, the same party would like judgement cast against Lucia Casci, former Kerlian Defence Secretary, for orchestrating the kidnapping of civilian males across Yervia and Ulinaria provinces.
In addition, the same party would like judgement cast against Councillor Anita Patel for orchestrating the mistreatment of prisoners of war. The same party would like judgement cast against Councillor Pauline Pierre for orchestrating the attempt to covertly seize control of the Lauchenoirian government by Kerlile. Furthermore, the same party would like judgement cast against Charissa Clarke, for numerous actions, including the attempt to take over our government on behalf of Kerlile.
The provisional government of Lauchenoiria would also like judgement cast against Colonel Chloe Conde, for executing and ordering the execution of prisoners of war. In addition, the same party would like judgement cast against Major Amanda Littlewood for the mistreatment of prisoners of war in Usera.
Additionally, the same party would like judgement cast against Captain Gregor Docherty for preventing the delivery of essential food and medical supplies during the Aelurian blockade. Moreover, the same party would like judgement cast against Henrik Yulov, for ordering his subordinates to fire on innocent civilians. The same party would also like judgement cast against Karl Iovavik and Franzik Udr for following these orders.
In addition, the same party would like judgement cast against Councillor Jennifer Hale for orchestrating the illegal attack on Annatown. Furthermore, the Provisional Government of Lauchenoiria would like judgement cast against First Minister Victoria Juárez for the mistreatment of prisoners of war. The provisional government of Lauchenoiria would also like judgement cast against Laura Moore for orchestrating the activities of the rebel group calling themselves the Lauchenoirian Resistance.
Areas exhaled with relief at reaching the end of the provisional government’s extensive list, and not having to think of any more synonyms for “also”. Of the nineteen grievances listed, nine were against Kerlile or Kerlians, if one counted Jennifer Hale. As such, he could feel Kerlile’s advocate giving him the evil eye, and he suppressed the urge to shudder. This would be a long few months.
Churcher took notes as Arenas spoke. Many atrocities happened during the war. By whom was to adjudicated by her. When Arenas finished speaking, the Clerk turned to look at her. She nodded. The Clerk stood and began speak.
"The Court accepts submission TRC-A-01, Lauchenoiria v. Conternia.
The Court accepts submission TRC-A-02, Lauchenoiria v. Griffiths.
The Court accepts submission TRC-A-03, Lauchenoiria v. Kerlile.
The Court accepts submission TRC-A-04, Lauchenoiria v. Greenwood.
The Court accepts submission TRC-A-05, Lauchenoiria v. Casci.
The Court accepts submission TRC-A-06, Lauchenoiria v. Patel.
The Court accepts submission TRC-A-07, Lauchenoiria v. Pierre.
The Court accepts submission TRC-A-08, Lauchenoiria v. Clarke.
The Court accepts submission TRC-A-09, Lauchenoiria v. Conde.
The Court accepts submission TRC-A-10, Lauchenoiria v. Littlewood.
The Court accepts submission TRC-A-11, Lauchenoiria v. Docherty.
The Court accepts submission TRC-A-12, Lauchenoiria v. Yulov.
The Court accepts submission TRC-A-13, Lauchenoiria v. Iovavik.
The Court accepts submission TRC-A-14, Lauchenoiria v. Udr.
The Court accepts submission TRC-A-15, Lauchenoiria v. Hale.
The Court accepts submission TRC-A-16, Lauchenoiria v. Juárez.
The Court accepts submission TRC-A-17, Lauchenoiria v. Moore.
The Court accepts submission TRC-A-18, Lauchenoiria v. Kelley.
The Court accepts submission TRC-A-19, Lauchenoiria v. Santos."
Churcher continued to make notes, and passed one down to the Clerk, who began speaking immediately. "The Court invites the government of Laeral to allege their grievances."
Therese Lu-Marechal, of the Laeralian Ministry of Justice, approached the podium in response to Judge Churcher's request.
"Thank you, your honor," she said. taking a sheet of paper from the light blue folder she was holding. "The Allied Provinces of Laeral requests judgement cast against the Matriarchy of Kerlile, for the mistreatment, abuse, and murder of numerous prisoners of war of several nations, including Laeral. Secondly, the same party requests judgement cast against President Joanna Greenwood, for approving and coordinating these abuses. Thirdly, the same party requests judgement cast against Colonel Chloe Conde, for directly overseeing and carrying out abuses and executions of prisoners of war."
"Fourthly," Therese continued, "the Allied Provinces of Laeral requests judgement cast against Jonas Kelley, for orchestrating the arbitrary arrest and detention of Laeralian civilians residing in Lauchenoiria. Fifthly, the same party requests judgement cast against Charissa Clarke, for supporting said arrest and detention, overseeing the mistreatment and execution of prisoners of war, producing propaganda which provoked the attempted assassination of President Nicholas Brennan, and approving the shooting of Laeralian diplomat Li Jingyi. Sixth, the same party requests judgement cast against General Eduardo Sanchez, for abetting the execution and mistreatment of prisoners of war as carried out by forces of the Matriarchy of Kerlile." The Laeralian legal delegation had spent a great deal of time and effort arguing over the wording of that last point. What she was reading was a carefully crafted compromise, with every word, particularly the verb 'abetting' having been chosen with great care.
"Finally, the Allied Provinces of Laeral requests judgement cast against Henderson Long, for the attempted murder of President Nicholas Brennan."
Therese looked up at Chief Judge Churcher, searching for any response in her face.
Churcher scribbled some more notes in her pad, and once more nodded at the Clerk who had looked up for approval.
"The Court accepts submission TRC-B-01, Laeral v. Kerlile.
The Court accepts submission TRC-B-02, Laeral v. Greenwood.
The Court accepts submission TRC-B-03, Laeral v. Conde.
The Court accepts submission TRC-B-04, Laeral v. Kelley.
The Court accepts submission TRC-B-05, Laeral v. Clarke.
The Court accepts submission TRC-B-06, Laeral v. Sanchez.
The Court accepts submission TRC-B-07, Laeral v. Long."
The Clerk finished reading aloud, took some water, and then continued, "The Court will now hear from the advocate from Libertas Omnium Maximus to list their alleged grievances".
Dr. William Blunt Sr. Esq. (69) had been asked to represent Libertas Omnium Maximus in the Truth & Reconciliation Commission only three months prior. There was no official literature as to who would represent the Maximusian Government in an international legal case as this was, surprisingly, the nation's first international case in over 200 years. Ultimately, after much debate, it was decided that the current Solicitor General, Dr. Blunt, was the best candidate. He had been involved in dozens of extremely significant LOM court cases even before being asked in 2016 to become the Solicitor General of LOM. In short, he more than knew his way around the court room.
"Your honor," he began curtly, "The Nation of Libertas Omnium Maximus would like to lodge their grievances against the following nations and/or individuals:"
The room, which was already tense to say the least, seemed to tense further than seemed imaginable.
Staff Sergeant Melanie Chevroux, for directly coordinating the assault on Maximusian Congressional Hall, aiding a know fugitive, inciting terrorism, and organizing a terrorist cell."
Blunt exhaled deeply. All in a days work, he thought quietly as he stepped down form the podium, making a point to make eye contact with each Kerlilian representative. He smiled, this would be fun. He slowly rounded the cherry-wood table that he would be calling home for the near future, took a seat, opened file that had been placed on in-front of him, and slowly read the memo, waiting for the next nation to be called to state their grievances. For the Maximusian Legal Council, the TRC trials had begun.
This time, Churcher didn't even bother looking up while writing her notes. She murmured slightly at the Clerk, who stood up once more.
"The Court accepts submission TRC-C-01, Libertas Omnium Maximus v. Kerlile.
The Court accepts submission TRC-C-02, Libertas Omnium Maximus v. Conde.
The Court accepts submission TRC-C-03, Libertas Omnium Maximus v. Greenwood.
The Court accepts submission TRC-C-04, Libertas Omnium Maximus v. Chevroux."
The Clerk was tapped on his shoulder by Churcher, who passed him a note. "The Court calls for the representative of the Matriarchy of Kerlile to stand and allege any grievances."
Irene Sheridan was a true believer in the Kerlian project. She had devoted her life to the Kerlian Ministry of Justice and it was her uncompromising belief in the Matriarchy that led to her being chosen for this. After all, only true believers can come in contact with the patriarchal countries and not be susceptible to brainwashing, was the reasoning.
“Thank you, your honour,” she said, carefully neutral. She was aware that most people in the room disliked her and everything she stood for to various degrees. She would do little to change that perception.
She sat back down. The Maximusian who’d spoken was eyeing her pointedly. She ignored him. Don’t let him rile you, Irene, she thought. Kerlile’s list of grievances was short, in truth they were cooperating very begrudgingly. And Sheridan knew, in the back of her mind, that this could not end well for the Matriarchy.
"The Court accepts submission TRC-D-01, Kerlile v. Libertas Omnium Maximus.
The Court accepts submission TRC-D-02, Kerlile v. Moore."
The Clerk looked back at Churcher who nodded.
"The Court calls on the representatives from Conternia to allege their grievances."
"Thank you, your honour". Of course, Toller had been doing this for well over thirty years; if there was one thing he could claim to be perfect at, it was courtroom demeanour.
"The Republic of Conternia would like to lodge their grievances against the groups, nations, and individuals now named", he said, slowly, deliberately.
"The Matriarchy of Kerlile, for permitting and sanctioning numerous acts of murder and torture, against combatants and civilians, by their armed forces"
"Colonel Chloe Conde, for abuse and murder of prisoners of war in blatant violation of the rule of war."
"President Joanna Greenwood, for permitting the atrocities committed by her council and her military."
"Mr Anthony Santos, for the torture of President Leanna Walker as well as numerous other prisoners, and for attempting to evade capture by illegally entering Conternia."
Toller inhaled, letting his words hang in the air for a moment.
"That will be all", he spoke at last, before retaking his seat, comforting himself with thoughts of the whisky with which he'd numb the slight ache in his back later.
For a final time, the Clerk rose.
"The Court accepts submission TRC-E-01, Conternia v. Kerlile.
The Court accepts submission TRC-E-02, Conternia v. Conde.
The Court accepts submission TRC-E-03, Conternia v. Greenwood.
The Court accepts submission TRC-E-04, Conternia v. Santos."
He looked back up at Judge Churcher who was still scribbling away on a notepad.
"The Court will adjourn for one hour while we review and collate the accepted submissions. All rise." Every stood, with the squeal of chairs scraping against floor almost unbearable. Churcher stood, bowed her head towards the Sanctarian seal above the door into the courtroom, and exited to her right. When she left, the Clerk, still standing, asked those present to take their seats once more. "We shan't be too long", he said with a smile.
"All rise" was the notifier that the judge was back and the ball was once more rolling. Churcher, still silent, handed the clerk a fairly hefty volume of papers. The clerk nodded and turned back to the court.
TRC-A-01, Lauchenoiria v. Conternia shall be taken firstly.
TRC-A-02, Lauchenoiria v. Griffiths shall be taken secondly.
TRC-A-03, Lauchenoiria v. Kerlile shall be taken alongside TRC-B-01, TRC-C-01, and TRC-E-01. It shall be designated TRC-A-03, Lauchenoiria et al v. Kerlile. It shall be taken thirdly.
TRC-A-04, Lauchenoiria v. Greenwood shall be taken alongside TRC-B-02, TRC-C-03, and TRC-E-03. It shall be designated TRC-A-04, Lauchenoiria et al v. Greenwood. It shall be taken fourthly.
TRC-A-05, Lauchenoiria v. Casci shall be taken after that.
TRC-A-06, Lauchenoiria v. Patel shall be taken after that.
TRC-A-07, Lauchenoiria v. Pierre shall be taken after that.
TRC-A-08, Lauchenoiria v. Clarke shall be taken alongside TRC-B-05. It shall be designated TRC-A-08, Lauchenoiria et al v. Clarke. It shall be taken after TRC-A-07.
TRC-A-09, Lauchenoiria v. Conde shall be taken alongside TRC-B-03, TRC-C-02, and TRC-E-02. It shall be designated TRC-A-09, Lauchenoiria et al v. Conde. It shall be taken after TRC-A-08.
TRC-A-10, Lauchenoiria v. Littlewood shall be taken after that.
TRC-A-11, Lauchenoiria v. Docherty shall be taken after that.
TRC-A-12, Lauchenoiria v. Yulov shall be taken after that.
TRC-A-13, Lauchenoiria v. Iovavik shall be taken after that.
TRC-A-14, Lauchenoiria v. Udr shall be taken after that.
TRC-A-15, Lauchenoiria v. Hale shall be taken after that.
TRC-A-16, Lauchenoiria v. Juárez shall be taken after that.
TRC-A-17, Lauchenoiria v. Moore shall be taken alongside TRC-D-02. It shall be designated TRC-A-17, Lauchenoiria et al v. Moore. It shall be taken after TRC-A-16.
TRC-A-18, Lauchenoiria v. Kelley shall be taken alongside TRC-B-04. It shall be designated TRC-A-18, Lauchenoiria et al v. Kelley. It shall be taken after TRC-A-17.
TRC-A-19, Lauchenoiria v. Santos shall be taken alongside TRC-E-04. It shall be designated TRC-A-19, Lauchenoiria et al v. Santos. It shall be taken after TRC-A-18.
TRC-B-06, Laeral v. Sanchez shall be taken after TRC-A-19.
TRC-B-07, Laeral v. Long shall be taken after that.
TRC-C-04, Libertas Omnium Maximus v. Chevroux shall be taken after that.
TRC-D-01, Kerlile v. Libertas Omnium Maximus shall be taken after that, and shall be the final case the Court hears."
The clerk stopped to take a drink of water.
"This Court will adjourn until 05 March 2019 to allow parties to prepare for the cases. In each case the Court will ask if the defendants plead guilty or not guilty. If it is guilty, the case shall be adjourned for adjudication of remedy. In the event of a plea of not guilty, the Court will hear one prosecutor or plaintiff statement, and one defence statement. In cases where there is more than one plaintiff or prosecutor, the Court asks those parties to choose which of among them will present the statement. The Court stands adjourned until 05 March 2019. All rise."
The clerk rose, his familiar voice booming around the courtroom. "The Court will rise for the honourable judge Sylvia Churcher, presiding judge of this Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Her Honour would like me to remind parties here today that we will be running the gamut between civil cases and procedure and criminal cases and procedure. To remind all, cases where a state is the defence is a civil procedure, and those were an individual is the defence is a criminal procedure. Please bear that in mind when requesting specific remedies should they be found guilty.
The case we hear today is TRC-A-01, Lauchenoiria v. Conternia. Does the defendant plead guilty or not guilty to the charges of "orchestrating the bombing of Melissa City Police Department and the kidnapping of Professor Michael Antonin" laid before them?"
"Your honour, the defendant pleads not guilty"
Covertly, Toller scanned the room, taking in the subtle shifts in facial expression his words brought on - the little traces of surprise, occasional disapproval, something like respect, that played out in people's eyes and on their top lips.

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