Ex Liberian leader boycotts his own trial

The war crimes trial of former Liberian President Charles Taylor has opened amid dramatic scenes in The Hague, with the accused refusing to attend.

Mr Taylor said his trial would not be fair because he only had one defence lawyer. His counsel walked out, defying the judge's order to stay seated.

Mr Taylor is accused of backing rebels in Sierra Leone who killed and maimed thousands of civilians over 11 years.

It is the first case of its kind against a former African leader