Kunti Kamara is the first Liberian to be tried in France under the principle of universal jurisdiction, which recognises that the prosecution of certain crimes transcends all borders.

He is accused of rape, murder and torture during Liberia's first civil war in the 1990s.

Mr Kamara admits he was a commander of a rebel group, the United Liberation Movement of Liberia for Democracy (Ulimo), in Lofa county, north-west Liberia, but denies the charges.

If found guilty, he faces a sentence of life imprisonment. He was arrested four years ago.