Gbagbo: ICC hears details of war crimes charges

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Gbagbo: ICC hears details of war crimes charges



Ex-Ivory Coast leader on trial in The Hague
Pleads not guilty to war crimes, crimes against humanity
“Landmark” trial could last four years

THE HAGUE: -- The former President of Ivory Coast has denied charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity on the first day of his trial at the International Criminal Court.

70-year-old Laurent Gbagbo lost the election in the country in 2010.

The charges relate to the civil unrest that erupted afterwards, in which an estimated 3,000 people were killed.

Violence broke out after Mr Gbagbo refused to accept losing. France intervened after four months and he was finally succeeded by his rival, Alessane Ouattara.

Gbagbo’s co-accused, former militia leader, 44-year-old Charles Ble Goude, is also on trial in the Hague.

He also denies the charges.

Both men face life imprisonment if found guilty.

“Victor’s justice”

Mr Gbagbo’s supporters accuse the court of the selective prosecution of the former president and his allies.

They also say he is being punished for standing up to the former colonial power,
France.

About the ICC

The hearing could last up to four years
Mr Gbagbo is the first former head of state to stand trial. Analysts say this is testament to the court’s growing influence
The court was set up in 2002
Only two convictions have been handed down so far
Opened its first case outside Africa on Wednesday, an inquiry into the 2008 Russia-Georgia conflict
This is being seen as the highest-profile case in ICC history so far
This is being seen as a test case for the global war crimes court.

What they are saying

“There has been a parody of justice here. Somebody has been in prison for five years with no proof.” – former Gbagbo adviser Abdon Bayeto.

“A man of peace” – Mr Ble Goude’s lawyer describes his client.

“I am from Duekoue. There was a genocide there. It is Soro’s fault, but (ICC prosecutor) Bensouda defends him.” – pro-Gbagbo protester outside court.

“My office will leave no stone unturned as we move to ensure justice and accountability on all sides.”- prosecutor Fatou Bensouda.

“Laurent Gbagbo does not belong to a family or a political party. He belongs to a country. He belongs to a continent.” – Michael Gbagbo, son.

“Gbagbo’s trial is a cautionary tale for those willing to use whatever means necessary to cling to power.”_- Param-Preet Singh, senior international justice counsel, Human Rights Watch.


-- (c) Copyright Euronews 2016-01-29