The war crimes trial of former Liberian President Charles Taylor has begun in The Hague for his role in the civil war in Sierra Leone. Taylor has been indicted on 11 charges of war crimes, crimes against humanity and violations of international humanitarian law.

Stephen Rapp, chief prosecutor of the Special Court for Sierra Leone: “The event of Charles Taylor coming to trial, as well as his arrest and his transfer to Liberia and on to the Special Court for Sierra Leone in 2006, was historic, because it represented an effort by the international community by the countries of West Africa, particularly Nigeria, Liberia and Sierra Leone, to establish the principle that no one, not even a leader, not even a chief of state, is above the law.”

Charles Taylor boycotted the opening of the trial, saying he did not believe he would receive a fair trial.