NEW : Sierra Leone welcomes ruling , says it shows that no one is above the law . The trial chamber heard that rebels from the Revolutionary United Front , which the former president backed , committed horrendous crimes against Sierra Leone civilians , including children . Court in The Hague upholds Charles Taylor conviction and 50-year sentence . He was president of The Hague from 2003 until 1997 , when he fled under pressure . He was convicted of supplying , encouraging rebels in Sierra Leone in a campaign of terror .
NEW : Sierra Leone welcomes ruling , says it shows that no one is above the law . Court in The Hague upholds Charles Taylor conviction and 50-year sentence . He was president of The Hague from 2003 until 1997 , when he fled under pressure . He was convicted of supplying , encouraging rebels in Sierra Leone in a campaign of terror .