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.