The Hague, Netherlands - International Criminal Court prosecutors say they will appeal the acquittals of former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo and an ex-youth minister on charges of involvement in deadly post-election violence following their country's 2010 presidential vote.
Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda says in a written motion released ahead of a hearing Wednesday that her office "has determined that it intends to appeal" once judges issue their written majority decision acquitting Gbagbo and Charles Ble Goude.
Judges on Tuesday ordered both men's release after acquitting them midway through their trial on charges of crimes against humanity including murder, rape and persecution.
Former Ivory Coast government minister Charles Ble Goude hugs his legal team at the courtroom of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, where he was acquitted of crimes committed during the 2010 election due to a lack of evidence. Picture: Peter Dejong/AP
Supporters of former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo rally outside the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands. Picture: Peter Dejong/AP
Prosecutors say it is likely their appeal against the acquittals will succeed and the defendants should only be released under strict conditions designed to prevent them fleeing justice.