Campbell is set to take to the witness box in a hearing at The Hague in the Netherlands on Thursday (05Aug10) to answer allegations she accepted a blood diamond from Taylor as a gift at a party in 1997.
Attorneys for Taylor, who is on trial over alleged atrocities committed during Sierra Leone’s 1991-2002 civil war, have now asked for Campbell’s testimony to be delayed – to give them more time to prepare their cross-examination.
The defence team claims prosecutors have failed to disclose exactly what Campbell is expected to say, while the prosecution alleges Campbell, who is being forced to appear in court under a subpoena, has been refusing to talk to them, according to the Associated Press.
A decision on the request is expected on Wednesday (04Aug10).
Campbell has previously voiced her fears for her own safety and that of her family if she appears as a witness and testifies against Taylor, who has pleaded not guilty to 11 charges, including murder, torture, rape, sexual slavery and the use of child soldiers and terrorism.
