Taylor boycott forces delay of war crimes trial

THE HAGUE, June 25 (Reuters) Former Liberian President Charles Taylor's war crimes trial was delayed until next week after he failed to show up in court today, saying he lacked the money for an adequate defence team.

Taylor, who is charged with instigating murder, rape and mutilation during Sierra Leone's civil war in a quest for the country's diamonds, boycotted the start of his trial in June.

He sacked his lawyer and declared the trial would not be fair, adding in a letter he intended to defend himself.

Judge Julia Sebutinde expressed frustration, not only with Taylor but with officials with the UN-backed special tribunal for Sierra Leone.

''The accused does not have the option to appear before this court as and when he chooses to,'' Judge Sebutinde said.

But she added adequate resources must be provided in the interests of a fair trial and she ordered the court to ensure Taylor had another four people boosting his defence team, including a lead counsel, by July 31.

''We have frowned upon undue delay in this court. That it would come from an institution within this court is really regrettable,'' she said.

The court's principal defender, Vincent Nmehielle, said Taylor also wanted to avoid undue delay and although he had been persuaded to accept a lawyer rather than defend himself, there were not enough funds from the court to hire the right calibre of lawyer.

Earlier this month the president of the court and its prosecutor told the UN Security Council available funds would be exhausted by November and another 60 million dollars was needed from voluntary contributions.

The prosecution will be allowed to begin presenting its case on July 3.

HORRIFIC WARS Taylor has pleaded not guilty to 11 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, related to the 1991-2002 civil war, which killed an estimated 50,000 people.

Even among Africa's horrific wars, the fighting in Sierra Leone stands out for its exceptional brutality -- casual murder, mass rapes, the hacking of limbs from civilians, and the press ganging of child soldiers as young as 8.

Prosecutors hope the trial will end impunity for African strongmen as well as send a signal that international justice can operate efficiently and fairly. However, some observers fear Taylor is intent on disrupting proceedings.

The Special Court was set up jointly by the country's government and the United Nations in 2002 to try those deemed most responsible for human rights violations during the later stages of the civil war.

Prosecutors promised to produce strong and compelling evidence, including letters and witness testimony, that Taylor directed Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebels as they carried out a campaign of terror against Sierra Leone's civilians.

Taylor's trial is being held in The Hague because of fears it could spur instability if held in Freetown.

REUTERS SKB BD1709