ICC sets confirmation date for charges against Gbagbo

[News_Editor]

ICC sets confirmation date for charges against Gbagbo

2011-12-06 16:02:17 GMT+7 (ICT)

THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS (BNO NEWS) -- The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Monday announced that it has set a confirmation date for charges against former Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) leader Laurent Koudou Gbagbo.

The ICC announced the decision at the initial appearance of Gbagbo before the court, stating that the beginning of the confirmation of charges hearing in the case will take place on June 18, 2012.

The confirmation of charges hearing is held to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to establish substantial grounds that Gbagbo committed each of the crimes charged, which include four counts of crimes against humanity, namely murder, rape and other forms of sexual violence, persecution and other inhuman acts.

If the charges are confirmed, the Pre-Trial Chamber commits the case for trial before a Trial Chamber, which will conduct the subsequent phase of the proceedings, that is, the trial.

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

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.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-12-06