15 Jan 2019 | 10:56 AM UTC
Côte d'Ivoire: Former president Gbagbo acquitted of war crime Jan. 15; protests likely /update 1
The ICC acquits former president Gbagbo from war crime and order its immediate release January 15; protests likely
Event
The International Criminal Court (ICC) acquitted on Tuesday, January 15, former president Laurent Gbagbo and its ally Charle Blé Goudé of all war crime charges and ordered their immediate release. Pro and anti-Gbagbo gatherings are likely to take place throughout the country, especially in Abidjan. A heightened security presence, along with associated traffic disruptions, are likely in the vicinity of any demonstration. Clashes between rival protesters as well as between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.
Context
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.
