A war crimes court says it will order model Naomi Campbell to appear as a witness at the trial of former Liberian President Charles Taylor.
The Special Court for Sierra Leone said Thursday that it will have Campbell subpoenaed to testify about a so-called "blood diamond" she allegedly received from Taylor.
The exchange is said to have happened when both were in South Africa as guests of President Nelson Mandela in 1997. Both the model and Taylor have denied the allegations.
On Wednesday, the court approved a request from prosecutors to have Campbell, her former agent Carol White, and American actress Mia Farrow testify about the affair. Farrow, who was also a guest of Mr. Mandela's, says Campbell told her about the diamond.
Campbell has said she does not want to be involved in the case, while White and Farrow are expected to participate voluntarily.
Prosecutors say Campbell's testimony could help prove that Taylor possessed rough diamonds.
Taylor is accused of arming rebels during Sierra Leone's civil war in exchange for blood diamonds, the name given to gems mined and sold to finance war.
The former Liberian leader is facing a total of 11 charges, including murder, rape, sexual slavery and conscription of child soldiers, stemming from the 11-year civil war. He has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges.
Some information for this report was provided by AP.
