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 . The trial has included testimony from supermodel Naomi Campbell , who said that Taylor gave her `` dirty-looking '' uncut diamonds as a gift . `` He indicated he was deeply upset and needed to rest , '' a court spokesman says of the boycott . The United Nations has called for Taylor's arrest on charges that include murder, rape and torture during his rule from 1989 until 2003.
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 court spokesman says of the boycott . The United Nations has called for Taylor's arrest on charges that include murder, rape and torture during his rule from 1989 until 2003.