Cote d’Ivoire: Gbagbo Acquittal At ICC Raises Questions Over Much-Needed Court Reforms
Judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Thursday dismissed an appeal against Côte d’Ivoire’s former President Laurent Gbagbo, confirming his acquittal for crimes against humanity and paving the way for his return to the West African country after almost a decade.The decision was a blow for victims’ families and provoked concern among observers who say the case highlights the need for serious reform within the court system.
“This is a victory for a man, President Gbagbo, whose innocence is finally fully recognised,” said Gbagbo’s lawyer Emmanuel Altit. “President Gbagbo always said that he believed in justice. Today, justice has been done.”
Gbagbo and his right-hand man Charles Blé Goudé were found not guilty of crimes against humanity in 2019 related to post-election violence in Côte d’Ivoire more than 10 years ago. Some 3,000 people were killed following disputed results in the 2010 polls.
Gbagbo refused to cede power to incumbent President Alassane Ouattara, but with the help of a French military intervention he was removed from the presidency. He was sent to the world court the next year.
ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda appealed the 15 January 2019 decision, arguing that the court “committed legal and procedural errors”, highlighting that judges did not make a proper written judgement until six months after an oral acquittal.
