Ex-Liberian leader’s trial postponed
Judges in The Hague postponed until January the war crimes trial of former Liberian President Charles Taylor as lawyers argued over whether victims of atrocities in Sierra Leone should testify.
Taylor, 59, is accused of instigating murder, rape and mutilation in a quest for diamonds during the civil war in Sierra Leone. He has pleaded not guilty.
His chief defense counsel, Courtenay Griffiths, said he saw no reason why victims need to testify unless the prosecution was trying to make an “emotional impact.” Prosecutors said their testimony was required.
The defense team requested the delay to prepare, saying there were tens of thousands of pages of material to examine.
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