Rawlings criticises
‘abduction’ of Gbagbo to Hague
In a statement Mr Rawlings called on all Africans to ponder new ways of
bringing justice to its own citizens rather than handing them over to the ICC.
Gbagbo was captured after months of disputed election violence in Ivory Coast which
left thousands dead and several hundreds fleeing the once peaceful West African
Country.
Newly sworn-in president Allasane Quattara promised justice and national
reconciliation but shortly after taking over the reigns of power he handed over
his adversary to the ICC for prosecution.
This Mr. Rawlings considers unfortunate stating: “This transfer followed a
procedure so hasty that it could be rightfully described as abduction.”
“My suspicion grows even more, when the prosecuting attorney claiming to be
targeting six officials in Cote d’Ivoire, unduly focuses on Gbagbo, the one who
is least likely to escape due to his being already in custody,” he added.
While Mr. Rawlings would not condone any form of arbitrary leadership by any
African leader, he said, “No one is trying to evade justice. 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.
He said all well meaning Africans must speak up against this injustice.
The following is the full details of Mr. Rawlings’ statement.
STATEMENT BY H.E. JERRY JOHN RAWLINGS ON THE TRANSFER OF PRESIDENT LAURENT
GBAGBO TO THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT (ICC)
I have learnt with dismay reports that deposed President Gbagbo of Cote
d’Ivoire has been transferred to The International Criminal Court (ICC) on
Tuesday, November 29th, following a speedy indictment, in total violation of
relevant international code of procedures and in total disregard for the
demands of peace in Cote d’Ivoire.
This transfer followed a procedure so hasty that it could be rightfully
described as abduction.
My suspicion grows even more, when the prosecuting attorney claiming to be targeting
six officials in Cote d’Ivoire, unduly focuses on Gbagbo, the one who is least
likely to escape due to his being already in custody.
This eagerness to indict and transfer Gbagbo, who did not run in the face of
the bombing of his palace like a common criminal, defies logic and the quest
for true reconciliation and sustainable peace in Cote d’Ivoire.
After fifty years of independence, Africa
should have all the knowhow to bring justice to its own citizens and do away
with imported justice.
What kind of prosecution would rather be in haste to bring to justice the
victim of an attack, and be lenient on the perpetrator of the attack?
No one is trying to evade justice. 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.
We will not be silent about this because we must not be silent about it as
participating members in this human drama.
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