Charles Taylor is the first African head of state to appear before an international war crimes tribunal . He is accused of fueling a bloody civil war in Liberia and neighboring Sierra Leone . His defense team walked out first , then Taylor refused to return to the courtroom after a break , said Solomon Moriba , a spokesman for The Hague court in the Netherlands . ` ` He indicated he was deeply upset and needed to rest , '' a UN spokesman says of the boycott . Taylor has pleaded not guilty to charges that include crimes against humanity .
Charles Taylor is the first African head of state to appear before an international war crimes tribunal . He is accused of fueling a bloody civil war in Liberia and neighboring Sierra Leone . ` ` He indicated he was deeply upset and needed to rest , '' a UN spokesman says of the boycott . Taylor has pleaded not guilty to charges that include crimes against humanity .