Talking About Colombia

An alleged former Liberian warlord, George Boley, who is accused of committing human rights abuses and recruiting child soldiers during Liberia’s civil war in the 1990s, has been deported back to Liberia from the U.S.

It is believed that he headed the Liberia Peace Council rebel movement, and Liberia’s Truth and Reconciliation Committee recommended that Boley, along with other former warlords, be prosecuted.

A U.S. judge said evidence that Boley had been involved in killings and recruited children was grounds for his deportation.

U.S. immigration officials said it was the first time the use of child soldiers had been used as a grounds for removal from the U.S.

(Thumbs up!) — This case sends a strong message to the world about respecting children’s rights.

However, since his return to Liberia, there has been no action to prosecute him. Boley denied the allegations.

Boley came to the U.S. almost four decades ago to attend the College at Brockport, near Rochester, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He then received his doctorate at the University of Akron. He has worked as a Rochester School District administrator.