ABIDJAN – A warrant of arrest has been issued against Ivory Coast`s former First Lady Simone Gbagbo accused of suspected crimes against humanity, suspected genocide, harming state security and white-collar crimes.
The International Criminal Court issued the arrest warrant against 63 year old Simone 18 months ago.
Husband and former president of Ivory Coast Laurent Gbagbo faces the same charges for crimes committed after the 2010 elections which left 300 people dead.
After having been defeated Laurent Gbagbo refused to accept defeat in 2010.
Former First lady Gbagbo will not be taken to the International Criminal Court in the Hague as her trial will take place from her home area.
A “motion to dismiss” the warrant has since been filed by the Ivorian cabinet. “The decision of the cabinet aims to have Mrs Gbagbo brought to trial… by Ivorian courts whose good reputation has been restored and which can hold a fair trial that will guarantee the rights of the defence,” said a government statement.
Government spokesman Bruno Kone said: “If we had the slightest doubt about the fairness of the Ivorian legal system, we would have extradited her to the Netherlands”.The Ivorian Popular Front (FPI) party was in support of the decision, and said: it was “made with the sole aim of delivering… justice that is to the benefit of all.”
According to the lawyer representing Gbagbo, Habiba Toure, the former First Lady was suffering from “serious health problems” and treatment under detention would mean a deterioration of her health.
Kenya`s Deputy President Ruto is also facing trial for crimes against humanity.
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