Naomi Campbell expected to testify in warlord trial
Supermodel Naomi Campbell is expected to appear in court today to provide evidence in the trial of former Liberian President and warlord Charles Taylor, over allegedly being given a blood diamond.
Campbell, 40, has denied being given a precious stone after a dinner in 1997 hosted by Nelson Mandela. However, another guest countered her claim. The case is being tried at the Special Court for Sierra Leone in the Hague.
Taylor is being accused of instigating murder, rape, mutilation and promoting child soldiers, a total of 11 counts. He has also been accused of selling diamonds to buy weapons for rebel fighters in a civil war in Sierra Leone. Thousands of people died and many others injured during this war.
Campbell has not been accused of any wrong-doing but was forced to attend court when issued with a subpoena after refusing to testify.
"I didn't receive a diamond and I'm not going to speak about that, thank you very much," Campbell had said. She also broke down on the show of TV host Oprah Winfrey, saying she did not want to put her family’s life in danger.
Campbell’s evidence is believed to be fundamental, where she could prove the warlord owned rough or uncut diamonds, something he has always denied.
Taylor’s legal team has reportedly also tried to stop her from testifying. Taylor was elected President of Liberia in 1997, but was forced to step down after six years in office, and was sent off to exile in Nigeria.
