War crimes case built on lies, claims Taylor

Former Liberian president Charles Taylor gave evidence in his own defence at his war crimes trial today, saying the case against him is built on lies.

He is charged with 11 counts of murder, torture, rape, sexual slavery, using child soldiers and spreading terror during Sierra Leone's 1991-2002 civil war.

Prosecutors at the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone say he backed rebels to help gain control of the country and strip it of its vast mineral wealth.

Giving evidence for the first time since the trial started 18 months ago, Taylor said today that the allegations are based on "disinformation, misinformation, lies, rumours".

He is the first African leader to stand trial for war crimes. His testimony is expected to last weeks.