Judges are hearing oral sentencing pleas in Charles Taylor's war crimes case, with the former Liberian president expected to speak on his own behalf.
Taylor was convicted on 11 charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in April, including murder, rape, and conscripting child soldiers. Judges at the U.N.-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone ruled he helped arm rebels during that country's civil war in exchange for "blood diamonds" often obtained by slave labor.
In written filings, the prosecution demanded 80 years, saying Taylor made horrific crimes possible. Defense attorneys argued for a sentence reflecting Tayor's indirect role: he was found guilty of aiding rebels, not leading them as prosecutors charged. Taylor might apologize in hopes of a lighter sentence, but he plans to appeal the conviction.
War crimes judges hear Taylor's sentencing pleas
Judges are hearing oral sentencing pleas in Charles Taylor's war crimes case, with the former Liberian president expected to speak on his own behalf.
Taylor was convicted on 11 charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in April, including murder, rape, and conscripting child soldiers. Judges at the U.N.-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone ruled he helped arm rebels during that country's civil war in exchange for "blood diamonds" often obtained by slave labor.
In written filings, the prosecution demanded 80 years, saying Taylor made horrific crimes possible. Defense attorneys argued for a sentence reflecting Tayor's indirect role: he was found guilty of aiding rebels, not leading them as prosecutors charged. Taylor might apologize in hopes of a lighter sentence, but he plans to appeal the conviction.
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