Taylor Found Responsible For War Crimes

By MIKE CORDER

The Associated Press

LEIDSCHENDAM, Netherlands — In a historic ruling, an international court says former Liberian President Charles Taylor is criminally responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity for supporting notoriously brutal Sierra Leone rebels in return for blood diamonds.

Jabati Mambu, whose right hand was hacked off by rebel fighters more than 13 years ago, works in an United Nations office, in Freetown, Sierra Leone Tuesday, April 24, 2012. This week, Mambu says his wounds may finally be healed. On Thursday, judges at an international war crimes court will pass judgment on warlord-turned-Liberian president Charles Taylor, who is accused of sponsoring rebels responsible for untold atrocities during Sierra Leone's brutal civil war in return for so-called blood diamonds.(AP Photo/Felicity Thompson)

Jabati Mambu, whose right hand was hacked off by rebel fighters more than 13 years ago, stands outside the United Nations compound where he works in Freetown, Sierra Leone Tuesday, April 24, 2012. This week, Mambu says his wounds may finally be healed. On Thursday, judges at an international war crimes court will pass judgment on warlord-turned-Liberian president Charles Taylor, who is accused of sponsoring rebels responsible for untold atrocities during Sierra Leone's brutal civil war in return for so-called blood diamonds.(AP Photo/Felicity Thompson)

Former Liberian President Charles Taylor looks down as he waits for the start of a hearing to deliver verdict in the court room of the Special Court for Sierra Leone in Leidschendam, near The Hague, Netherlands, Thursday April 26, 2012. Judges were expected to deliver landmark judgements in the trial against the former president who is charged with supporting notoriously brutal rebels in neighboring Sierra Leone. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, Pool)