The International Criminal Court has acquitted and ordered the immediate release of former President of Cote d'ivoire, Laurent Gbagbo from all charges against him. Gbabgo was charged alongside his right-hand man, Mr Charles Ble Goude of crimes against humanity, rape, murder and other forms of sexual violence, persecution and "other inhuman acts" allegedly committed in 2010, which left 3,000 people dead and 500,000 displaced.
According to Legit.ng, the ICC presiding judge, Cuno Tarfusser said the acquittal was due to lack of substantial evidence to support the charges against him.
Tarfusser said the prosecution had “failed to demonstrate that public speeches by Gbagbo constituted ordering or inducing the alleged crimes".
Supporters of Gbagbo in the public gallery cheered and threw their fists at the announcement of the acquittal.
Gbagbo was arrested in 2011, at a presidential bunker by the United Nations and French-assisted forces who supported his rival Alassane Ouattara.
