Jerry Rawlings: ICC abducted Gbagbo
2011-12-06 11:33
Accra - A former Ghanaian president on Monday slammed Ivory Coast ex-leader Laurent Gbagbo's transfer to the International Criminal Court as abduction and his treatment as humiliating.
Jerry Rawlings said in a statement he had learned "with dismay" of Gbagbo's transfer to the ICC "following a speedy indictment, in total violation of relevant international code of procedures".
The transfer "could be rightfully described as abduction", he said in an emailed statement authenticated by a spokesperson, Kofi Adams.
"No one is trying to evade justice," Rawlings said.
"But when such justice is drenched in a sea of humiliation and abuses, so as to be governed by self-righteous hatred with its untenable logic, it only befits human conscience to stand up against it for the good of all."
Gbagbo made his first appearance before the tribunal on Monday, becoming the first former head of state to be brought before The Hague-based court.
He faces four counts of crimes against humanity, including murder, rape and inhuman acts, over post-election violence the UN said cost about 3 000 lives.
The 66-year-old was arrested in April by followers of long-time rival and current Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara after months of violence triggered by Gbabgo's refusal to accept defeat in a November 2010 vote.
- SAPA