Prosecutors tell court Taylor deserves 80 years in jail
Prosecutors in the trial of former Liberian president Charles Taylor are calling for a prison sentence of 80 years, after his war crimes conviction in The Hague last week.
The prosecutors told the UN backed Sierra Special Court the "extreme magnitude" of the crimes he committed warranted the long-term sentence.
On April 26, the court said he provided practical and moral support to the RUF by helping to plan and organize its war in the West African nation.
But the court quashed the prosecution claim that Taylor was personally command and controlled the defunct Sierra Leonean rebel forces from Liberia.
The defense team rejected the verdict but said last Thursday its formal written response would be given later, when they receive the written version of the judgement.
The 64-year old former Liberian leader was found guilty on 11 counts, including rape and murder, relating to the civil war in neighbouring Sierra Leone.
Taylor makes his initial appearance at the SCSL in Freetown. He pleads not guilty to all charges.
The defunct Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebels launched an armed rebellion against the Sierra Leonean government 1991-2002.
His sentence is due to be announced on 30 May.
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