Sir Desmond de Silva, QC Closed Now

Sir Desmond de Silva (1939–2018) was a distinguished British-Sri Lankan barrister and international lawyer who played a pivotal role in the development of international criminal justice and the pursuit of accountability for mass atrocities. Best known for serving as Chief Prosecutor of the Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL), he brought decades of experience in criminal law to the forefront of transitional justice.

Educated in the United Kingdom, de Silva had a long and prominent legal career, practicing as a Queen’s Counsel and representing high-profile cases across jurisdictions. In 2002, he was appointed by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan as Deputy Prosecutor of the SCSL, later becoming Chief Prosecutor in 2005. During his tenure, he was responsible for indicting high-level perpetrators of atrocities committed during Sierra Leone’s brutal civil war, including former Liberian President Charles Taylor. This indictment marked a historic moment, as Taylor became the first African head of state to be prosecuted and convicted for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

De Silva was widely respected for his ability to balance rigorous legal standards with the complex realities of post-conflict societies. His work helped establish the SCSL as a landmark institution in transitional justice, demonstrating that hybrid tribunals could deliver justice while operating close to affected communities.

Beyond Sierra Leone, de Silva also contributed to human rights inquiries and international legal reform. In 2012, he led the UK government’s independent review into state collusion in the murder of Belfast lawyer Pat Finucane, producing a report that exposed serious failings in accountability mechanisms.

Throughout his career, de Silva was recognized for his integrity, eloquence, and commitment to the rule of law. His contributions extended beyond the courtroom, as he engaged in public debates about international justice, sovereignty, and the limits of intervention.

His legacy lies in strengthening the credibility of international criminal law and reinforcing the principle that even the most powerful leaders can be held accountable for atrocities.