AfricaNews editorial desk with additional files from BBC
Supermodel Naomi Campbell is to testify at the war crimes trial of the former Liberia President Charles Taylor, according to a spokesperson. She is alleged to have received diamonds from the former warlord in 1997 and would grant audience to the court on July 29.
A spokeswoman said in a BBC report: "She is a witness who has been asked to help clarify events in 1997. Miss Campbell has made it clear that she is willing to help the due process of law.
"For avoidance of doubt, she is not being accused of any wrongdoing and is not on trial."
The report said prosecutors want to know whether Ms Campbell received diamonds from Mr Taylor at a reception hosted by Nelson Mandela in South Africa in 1997.
In an interview on the Oprah Winfrey Show, Ms Campbell neither confirmed nor denied that she received gems, instead saying: "I don't want to be involved in this man's case. He has done some terrible things, and I don't want to put my family in danger."
US actress Mia Farrow, who Ms Campbell allegedly told about the gift, may also testify.
Taylor has pleaded not guilty to 11 charges at the UN-backed tribunal.
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