Maltese lawyer takes part in trial of former Liberian President

A young Maltese lawyer has taken part in the trial of former Liberian President Charles Taylor, which came to end at The Hague in The Netherlands today.

James Pace, 25, has been stationed at The Hague for the past six months and has been working with the prosecution.

Taylor was charged with arming Sierra Leone rebels in exchange for blood diamonds. Judges now have to consider the verdict. He pleaded not guilty.

"I ... declare the hearing closed," presiding judge Teresa Doherty said after hearing final statements from the prosecution and defence in a trial that started more than three years ago.

"The trial chamber shall now deliberate in private. The parties shall be notified when a judgment is to be delivered."

The court has previously said judgment should be handed down in the European summer.

The Sierra Leone civil war claimed some 120,000 lives in the 10 years to 2001, with RUF rebels, described by prosecutors as Taylor's "surrogate army", mutilating thousands of civilians by hacking off their limbs.