Defence opens for Taylor

Lawyers for Charles Taylor began his defence against war crimes charges last night, arguing that the former Liberian President was not responsible for the murder, rape and mutilation of civilians by rebels in Sierra Leone and should not be blamed simply out of disgust at the atrocities.

Taylor, the first African head of state to be tried by an international court, is charged with 11 crimes including murder, torture and rape.

The Special Court of Sierra Leone in The Hague has heard a year of testimony.

Taylor will take the stand in his own defence tomorrow.