Judges delayed Charles Taylor's trial on charges of directing
atrocities in Sierra Leone Monday after the former Liberian
President failed to show up in court, saying he lacked funds for a
defense.
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 Monday, not only
with 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," Judge Sebutinde said.
But she added adequate resources must be provided in the
interests of a fair trial and she ordered the court to ensure
Taylor had another four people boosting his defense team, including
a lead counsel, by July 31.
"We have frowned upon undue delay in this court. That it would
come from an institution within this court is really regrettable,"
she said.
The court's principal defender, Vincent Nmehielle, said Taylor
also wanted to avoid undue delay, and although he had been
persuaded to accept a lawyer rather than defend himself, the court
lacked funds to hire the right caliber of lawyer.
Earlier this month the president of the court and its prosecutor
told the UN Security Council available funds would be exhausted by
November and another US$60 million was needed.
"Budgetary constraints have got in the way," said Elise Keppler
of campaign group Human Rights Watch.
The prosecution will now begin its case on July 3.
Taylor has pleaded not guilty to 11 counts of war crimes and
crimes against humanity, related to the 1991-2002 civil war, which
killed an estimated 50,000 people.
Taylor's trial is being held in The Hague because of fears it
could spur instability if held in Freetown.
(China Daily via agencies June 26, 2007)
