Liberia / Trial of former President of Liberia Charles Taylor
MONROVIA, Liberia, July 15, 2009/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Daily press briefing by the office of the spokesperson for the UN secretary-general.
On the trial of former President of Liberia Charles Taylor, it took place today and he took the stand in his own defence during his trial at the Special Court for Sierra Leone, meeting in The Hague, where he faces charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The former President denied 11 counts, including terrorism, murder, rape and torture. He further claimed that the prosecution was relying on disinformation, misinformation, lies, and rumours. He also denied supporting rebels of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) in Sierra Leone.
The defence is expected to last several weeks and a verdict is expected next year.
SOURCE
United Nations – Office of the Spokesperson of the Secretary-General
