Liberia's Charles Taylor

Three years after the United Nations backed Special Court for Sierra Leone issued a warrant, former Liberian president Charles Taylor has finally been arrested (view photos of Taylor's arrest). Taylor is charged with war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other serious violations of international humanitarian law, including sexual slavery and mutilations. Chief Prosecutor of the Special Court for Sierra Leone said Taylor's "presence in the custody of the Special Court sends out the clear message that no matter how rich, powerful, or feared people may be, the law is above them."

Taylor is currently being held in Freetown, but the President of the Special Court, Justice Fernando, has requested that Taylor be tried at the International Criminal Court in The Hague to prevent him further destabilizing the region.

More About Charles Taylor:
• Roundup of opinions from various African newspapers
• Profile of Charles Taylor from About.com's World News Guide