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Wednesday, January 16, 2019, 23:48
ICC judges say Gbagbo should be released following acquittal
By Associated Press
Wednesday, January 16, 2019, 23:48 By Associated Press

Former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo enters the courtroom of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, Jan 15, 2019, where judges acquitted Gbagbo and ex-government minister Charles Ble Goude of crimes committed during the 2010 election for lack of evidence. (AP PHOTO/PETER DEJONG, POOL)

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — International Criminal Court judges say former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo and a former government minister should be released immediately following their acquittal on charges of involvement in deadly post-election violence in 2010.

Prosecutors have said they will appeal the acquittals once judges issue their written majority decision on Gbagbo and Charles Ble Goude and asked judges not to release the men.

READ MORE: ICC judges acquit former Ivory Coast president Gbagbo

But Presiding Judge Cuno Tarfusser says a majority of the three-judge panel rejected the prosecution request, clearing the way for the men to be released once diplomatic formalities are completed.

Charles Ble Goude hugs his legal team as he and former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo enter the courtroom of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, Jan 15, 2019. (AP PHOTO/PETER DEJONG, POOL)

Judges first ordered their release Tuesday after acquitting them on charges of crimes against humanity including murder, rape and persecution.

Prosecutors can appeal Wednesday's decision, potentially holding up the men's release.


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