Former Liberian President Charles Taylor made a surprise appearance at the United Nations Special Court for Sierra Leone on Tuesday after having boycotted his war crimes trial since it began in early June.
Taylor, who is charged with directing atrocities in Sierra Leone and instigating murder, rape and mutilation in a quest for the country’s diamonds, had argued he had inadequate funds to mount a proper defence and had refused to show up in court.
However, after judges ordered that Taylor be assigned a new defence team and postponed the trial until August 20 to allow them time to prepare, Taylor walked in late to the procedural hearing in which judges outlined their ruling.
He looked calm wearing a dark suit and pale tie. A representative said security measures by the traffic police had caused his delay.
Taylor has pleaded not guilty to 11 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, related to the 1991 to 2002 civil war, which killed an estimated 50 000 people.
Taylor sacked his lawyer as his trial opened, initially saying he wanted to defend himself, although he has since changed his mind and is demanding a top calibre lawyer.
Prosecutors hope the trial will send a signal that international justice can operate efficiently and fairly as well as target the world’s most powerful individuals. But some observers fear Taylor is intent on upstaging proceedings. – Reuters