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 Washington and neighboring CNN . `` He indicated he was deeply upset and needed to rest , '' a court spokesman says of the boycott . Charles 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 court spokesman says of the boycott . Taylor has pleaded not guilty to charges that include crimes against humanity .