Taylor a no-show for war crimes trial in the Hague

JUDGES delayed Charles Taylor’s trial on charges of directing atrocities in Sierra Leone yesterday after the former Liberian president failed to show up in court, saying he lacked funds for a defence.

Mr Taylor, who is charged with instigating murder, rape and mutilation during Sierra Leone’s civil war in a quest for the country’s diamonds, boycotted the start of his trial in June. He sacked his lawyer and declared the trial would not be fair, adding in a letter he intended to defend himself.

Judge Julia Sebutinde expressed frustration, not only with Mr Taylor but with officials with the UN-backed special tribunal for Sierra Leone: “The accused does not have the option to appear before this court as and when he chooses.”