There was an article in the Telegraph yesterday about a leaked memo assessing the costs to British taxpayers for agreeing to imprison former president Charles Taylor if he is found guilty of war crimes.

The costs are estimated at a little under US$90,000 per year. I like the way the memo ends:

“Overall, the argument will be that the Government does not enter into such commitments lightly but that, by making this relatively modest financial contribution, the UK will be making a major contribution to the cause of international justice.”

After giving so much money in international development aid to Liberia, $90,000 per year feels like pennies, and pennies well spent. If the British government decides they are no longer willing to potentially imprison Taylor, his trial could be delayed again.