June 20 (Reuters) - Sierra Leone's U.N.-backed war crimes court hands down its first verdicts on Wednesday against three leaders of a militia accused of hacking the limbs off civilians and carving its initials into their bodies.

Here are some facts about the court.

* The court is an international body independent of any government or organisation with a staff including Sierra Leoneans and foreigners.

* It was established on Jan. 16, 2002, days before the war in Sierra Leone was declared over, to try those deemed to bear the greatest responsibility for crimes during the conflict.

* Although the war started in 1991, the court's mandate is only for crimes committed since Nov. 30, 1996, the date of a failed peace deal.

* Some 50,000 people died in the war, which was notorious for amputation as a tool of war and the use of drugged-up child soldiers.

* It is the first mixed tribunal of its kind, with judges appointed by the United Nations and Sierra Leone. Stephen Rapp, an American, became chief prosecutor this year.

* It was the first court of its kind set up with the agreement of the country concerned and to sit where the crimes were committed. However, former Liberian President Taylor, who is accused of backing Sierra Leone's RUF rebels, was sent to a special sitting in The Hague due to fears a trial in Freetown could spur unrest in Sierra Leone or Liberia.

* Ten people currently stand indicted, including rebel leaders and loyalist militia leaders as well as Taylor.

* The court holds in custody all except former army ruler Johnny Paul Koroma, whose death was reported in 2003 but who is still classed as missing.

* Three other key indictees are dead: Foday Sankoh, leader of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebels, died in custody in 2003. His lieutenant Sam Bockarie was shot dead in Liberia in 2003. Sam Hinga Norman, a leader of a pro-government militia, died in February 2007.

Sources; Reuters/Sierra Leone court/

(http://www.sc-sl.org/index.html)

AlertNet news is provided by