Gibril Massaquoi, a former Sierra Leonean rebel commander, has been awarded €390,000 (approximately $426,000) in compensation by the Finnish government. This award comes after Massaquoi was acquitted of war crimes and crimes against humanity by the Finnish Court of Appeal.

Massaquoi, who was implicated in alleged war crimes during Liberia’s civil war in 2003, faced serious accusations that he participated in violent acts while nicknamed “Angel Gabriel.” However, his defense successfully argued that he was under constant UN protection in a safe house in Sierra Leone during the period in question, making it impossible for him to have committed the alleged crimes.

Initially convicted by a lower court, Massaquoi’s legal team challenged the ruling, leading to a comprehensive appeal process that included investigations in Liberia and Sierra Leone. In January of this year, the Finnish Court of Appeal overturned the conviction, clearing Massaquoi of all charges.

Despite the acquittal, Massaquoi faced significant personal and financial hardships during the lengthy legal battle. The compensation awarded by Finland is intended to address the loss of income and liberty Massaquoi endured over a four-year period. However, Massaquoi’s legal representatives have expressed that they believe the compensation should have been higher, suggesting a figure of $1 million.

Massaquoi was a notable figure in Sierra Leone’s Revolutionary United Front (RUF), a rebel group involved in the country’s civil war from 1991 to 2002. After the conflict, he served as a witness in war crimes trials in Freetown, supported by the UN.