17 Jan 2019 | 09:43 AM UTC
Côte d'Ivoire: ICC halts release of former president Gbagbo Jan. 16 /update 2
The ICC halted on January 16, the release of former president Gbagbo; protests likely
Event
Further protests are likely throughout the country, especially in Gagnoa and Abidjan, after the International Criminal Court (ICC) halted on Wednesday, January 16, the release of former president Laurent Gbagbo and its ally Charle Blé Goudé following a fresh appeal by ICC prosecutors. This decision came a day after Gbagbo and Blé Goudé were acquitted of all war crime charges. Pro and anti-Gbagbo gatherings are likely to take place; clashes between rival protesters as well as between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.
Context
The previous announcement on January 15 of the acquittal and release of Gbagbo triggered angry and joyful demonstrations across the country, notably in Abidjan.
Gbagbo, in detention since November 2011, faced four counts of crimes against humanity, related to the violence following his defeat in the 2010 presidential election.
Advice
Individuals in Abidjan are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and refrain from discussing domestic political issues in public.
