According to the Liberia News Agency, Criminal Court ‘D’ presiding Judge Emery Paye, who announced the sentence, said the convicts will serve the rest of their lives in prison for the crime of mercenarism.
The 13 were part of 18 Liberians arrested in 2012 for their involvement in cross-border attacks into Ivory Coast, which resulted in the death of several persons, including seven UN Peacekeepers.
The court also denied a motion filed earlier by the defense team for retrial of the case.
Meanwhile, the head of the defense team, Cllr. Tiawon Gongloe, has taken exception to the verdict, which he described as 'inconsistent with the evidence adduced,” and said they have announced an appeal to the Supreme Court.
Cllr. Gongloe also said the defense counsel maintains its position that their clients are innocent of all allegations levied against them.
He, however, called on his clients to remain law abiding, as the defense team is doing everything to take the case to another level.
Those sentenced for life include Nezee Barway, Oforee Diah, Edward Cole, Bobby Sarpee, Isaac Taryon, Prince Youtay, Mohammed Massaquoi, James Cooper, Sam Tarley and Morris Cole.
LINA RS/CMJ/TSS/PTK