SIERRA LEONE: Charles Taylor says he is not guilty of war crimes
published: Tuesday | April 4, 2006

Former Liberian President, Charles Taylor (centre), makes his first appearance at the Special Court in Freetown, yesterday. Taylor refused to recognise an international war crimes court in Sierra Leone yesterday, and he pleaded not guilty to the multiple charges against him in his first appearance. - REUTERS

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone (AP)

Former Liberian President Charles Taylor pleaded not guilty yesterday to war crimes and crimes against humanity, including sexual slavery, mutilation and sending children into combat.

Taylor at first said he could not plead on the charges, which stem from his role in Sierra Leone's civil war, because he did not recognize the court. But after Justice Richard Lussick insisted, Taylor said calmly: "Most definitely, your honor, I did not and could not have committed those acts against the sister republic of Sierra Leone."

Lussick accepted Taylor's that as a plea of "not guilty."

As the hour-long hearing ended, Taylor stood, smiled and blew kisses to relatives who were in the courtroom.