Charles Taylor’s lawyer walks out of court

Taylor, who is the first African ruler to stand trial for war crimes, is charges with instigating murder, rape, mutilation, sexual slavery and conscription of child soldiers during a brutal civil war in Sierra Leone.

Prosecutors allege Taylor tried to win control to exploit the country’s diamond resources.

Taylor’ lawyer, Courtenay Griffiths walked out after judges at the Special Court for Sierra Leone yesterday ruled against allowing the defence to file a final document because they had missed a January 14 deadline to submit it.

“Our presence in court is incompatible in representing the interests of the accused,” the lawyer said.

However, Griffiths’ walkout failed to significantly slow proceedings and judges allowed prosecutors to continue with their closing arguments.

The lawyer told reproters he is threatening to boycott the rest of the week’s hearing and also told reporters he will appeal Monday’s decision, requesting that appeals judges allow him to submit the evidence and reschedule the closing arguments.