Laurent Gbagbo, 73, has officially become the first head of state to face trial at the ICC in the Hague.
His trial has been on since 2016 for crimes against humanity, for his part in post-electoral violence years ago in Ivory Coast.
His lawyers do not believe that the prosecution has any proof of the charges, and are therefore seeking an acquittal on all fronts, and their client’s freedom.
The defense lawyers are also trying to secure the same for the former president’s ally, Charles Ble Goude, 46.
He is the leader of the ”Young Patriots” group. This group in a bid to keep Gbagbo in power is allegedly responsible for the murder and rape of hundreds of people.
Meanwhile, both men have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
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