Judges at an international war crimes court have sentenced former Liberian President Charles Taylor to 50 years in prison.

Fighters in Sierra Leone raped and killed Halimatu Jalloh’s sister during the country’s civil war, but last night the 27-year-old student felt the pain of her loss ease with the conviction of Charles Taylor, the Liberian leader who backed the rebels.

In a historic ruling, an international court today convicted former Liberian President Charles Taylor of aiding and abetting war crimes and crimes against humanity for supporting brutal rebels in neighbouring Sierra Leone in return for “blood diamonds”.

Former Liberian President Charles Taylor was today found guilty of aiding and abetting war crimes and crimes against humanity by supporting brutal Sierra Leone rebels in return for blood diamonds.

Former Liberian President Charles Taylor pleaded not guilty today to war crimes and crimes against humanity, including sexual slavery, mutilation and sending children into combat.