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March 31, 2021 The International Criminal Court (ICC) today confirmed on appeal the acquittal of the former president of the Ivory Coast, Laurent Gbagbo.
In 2019, the Ivorian leader was acquitted of the charge of crimes against humanity, for the post-election violence in the African country in 2011. This opens the way for the return, after years, of the former president to the Ivory Coast.
Gbagbo has always pleaded innocent for those crimes that resulted in 3,000 deaths from the violence that arose from his refusal to recognize the presidential victory of his rival Alassane Ouattara.
After his acquittal, the former president of the Ivory Coast lived in Belgium. And now he wants to return to his country. "Today's decision goes in the direction of real reconciliation," said Gbagbo's lawyers.
The decision of the International Criminal Court was expected in Côte d'Ivoire, where Gbagbo was president from 2000 to 2010, before being arrested in 2011. On hearing the confirmation of the acquittal, his supporters celebrated in the streets.