The trial of former Liberian president Charles Taylor began on Monday in The Hague, the Netherlands. It is the first time a former African leader went on trial at an international tribunal.

Taylor faces 11 charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity at the United Nations Special Court for Sierra Leone. The trial took place in a courtroom rented from the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

The trial opened at 10:30 a.m. local time. Prosecutors started delivering an opening statement, in which they intend to link Taylor to the crimes committed in neighboring Sierra Leone. The proceedings are expected to continue in the afternoon.

However, Taylor did not show up at the courtroom. In a letter read by his lawyer, he said he had lost confidence in the court.

"Your honors, it is with great sadness and regret that I write to inform you that I no longer feel able to participate in proceedings against me," he said in the letter.

"At one time I had hoped and had confidence in the court's ability to dispense justice in a fair and impartial manner. At this time it has become clear that such confidence is misplaced," the former war lord said.

Taylor, 59, is accused of involvement in the civil war in neighboring Sierra Leone in the 1990s. Taylor allegedly supported the rebels in the country who were involved in murder, rape and mutilation of civilians, and arms trafficking and the use of child soldiers.

Taylor, who was Liberia's president between 1997 and 2003, has pleaded not guilty to all the charges. He faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment if convicted.

After Monday's proceedings, the trial will adjourn until June 25 to allow more time for defense attorneys to prepare.

Taylor was indicted in 2003 for supporting Sierra Leone's rebel Revolutionary United Front in return for diamonds illegally mined in the country.

Submitting to the pressure from the United States and West African leaders, Taylor resigned as president in August 2003 and went into exile. He was taken into custody in March 2006 as he tried to cross the border from Nigeria to Cameroon.

Taylor's trial is being held in The Hague for security reasons. The governments of Liberia and Sierra Leone fear that his trial in Sierra Leone could spark violence in Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone. He was transferred to The Hague a year ago.

Chief Prosecutor Stephen Rapp has said he expects the trial to take around 18 months, with nearly 140 witnesses to be giving testimony.

Many witnesses will testify anonymously for fear of revenge from Taylor's supporters. Some will be put in witness protection schemes after giving evidence.

Taylor's supporters, including his daughter Charen, insist that Taylor has been made a scapegoat for the wrongdoings of others.