Thousands celebrate Charles Taylor verdict

Thousands are celebrating in Sierra Leone after learning that Charles Taylor has been convicted for his role in the country's brutal civil war.

Jusu Jarka, chairman of an association for amputees, lost both his arms in 1999. He said he is happy that the court in Holland had found Taylor was "fully and solely responsible for the crimes committed against the people of Sierra Leone".

Sierra Leone's civil war that ended in 2002 left more than 50,000 dead. Countless survivors bear emotional and physical scars from the war. Rebels hacked off the limbs of many of their victims.

One sign on display today read: "Shame on you Charles Taylor. Give us your diamonds before going to prison."

AP