Former Liberian president tried for war crimes

FORMER Liberian President Charles Taylor appeared before an international war crimes court yesterday.

The former warlord pleaded not guilty to war crimes and crimes against humanity, including sexual slavery, mutilation and sending children into combat in connection with alleged backing of Sierra Leonean rebels.

Many hope the trial of Taylor, the first former African president to face such charges, will firmly establish the principle that Africa’s despots are not above the law.