Eyes are glued to the screen as crowds gather in the Liberian capital to watch the verdict being given to former President Charles Taylor.<br/> <br />The UN-backed court found him guilty of murder, rape, conscripting child soldiers and sexual slavery during intertwined wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone, which killed more than 50,000 people.<br/> <br />It's the first time an African head of state has been found guilty by an international tribunal.<br/> <br />This man lost both his arms in the infamous "short sleeve, long sleeve" terror campaign meted out by Taylor's rebel army in Sierra Leone.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) MOHAMMED BA SAYING:<br/> <br />"I think that everybody is happy for this type of judgement, long awaited judgement, people were crying for this judgement. I think impunity has been addressed, justice has been done for Sierra Leonians, so we are so grateful to the international community."<br/> <br />The judge said that in return for providing arms and ammunition, Taylor received so called "blood diamonds."<br/> <br />He denies the charges, arguing his trial was a politically motivated conspiracy by Western nations.<br/> <br />Lily Grimes, Reuters
