Taylor boycott forces delay of war crimes trial

By Alexandra Hudson

THE HAGUE (Reuters) - Judges delayed Charles Taylor's trial on charges of directing atrocities in Sierra Leone on 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 on Monday, not only with Taylor but with officials with the U.N.-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 U.N. Security Council available funds would be exhausted by November and another $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.

HORRIFIC WARS

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.

Even among Africa's horrific wars, the fighting in Sierra Leone stands out for its exceptional brutality -- casual murder, mass rapes, the hacking of limbs from civilians, and the press ganging of child soldiers as young as 8.

Prosecutors hope the trial will end impunity for African strongmen as well as send a signal that international justice can operate efficiently and fairly. But some observers fear Taylor is intent on disrupting proceedings.