Gbagbo arrives at International Criminal Court to face charges

[News_Editor]

Gbagbo arrives at International Criminal Court to face charges

2011-12-01 08:55:54 GMT+7 (ICT)

THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS (BNO NEWS) -- Former Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) leader Laurent Koudou Gbagbo on Wednesday arrived at the International Criminal Court (ICC) detention center in The Hague, where he will face charges of crime against humanity.

Gbagbo, 66, was surrendered to the ICC on Tuesday by Côte d'Ivoire national authorities following a warrant issued by the Pre-Trial Chamber III judges last Wednesday.

According to the allegations, Gbagbo is individually and criminally responsible for post-election violence in the West African country, between December 16, 2010 and April 12 of this year. Gbagbo was allegedly an indirect co-perpetrator for four counts of crimes against humanity, namely murder, rape and other forms of sexual violence, persecution and other inhuman acts.

The ICC said there are "reasonable grounds to believe that in the aftermath of the presidential elections in Côte d'Ivoire, pro-Gbagbo forces attacked the civilian population in Abidjan and in the west of the country, from November 28, 2010 onwards, targeting civilians who they believed were supporters of the opponent candidate."

According to reports, and as quoted by the prosecution, at least 3,000 people were killed, 72 people disappeared and 520 others were subject to arbitrary arrest and detentions during the post-election violence.

The post-election violence was allegedly committed pursuant to an organizational policy and were also widespread and systematic as they were committed over an extended time period, over large geographic areas, and following a similar general pattern, the ICC stated, adding that the attacks were allegedly often directed at specific ethnic or religious communities and left a high number of reported victims.

Furthermore, the ICC alleges that a plan existed between Gbagbo and his inner circle and that they were aware that implementing it would lead to the commission of the alleged crimes. Gbagbo, together with others, allegedly exercised joint control over the crimes, and made a coordinated and essential contribution to the realization of the plan.

The ICC said Gbagbo's initial appearance hearing before the Pre-Trial Chamber III is scheduled for Monday at 2 p.m. local time. During this hearing, the former leader will be formally identified and asked if he has been clearly informed of the charges brought against him.

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