THE HAGUE, Netherlands – International Criminal Court judges have rejected arguments by former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo that they lack the jurisdiction to try him on charges of crimes against humanity.
The charges against Gbagbo stem in part from murder and rape allegedly committed by his supporters in 2010 as he tried to cling to power following disputed elections. Gbagbo insists he is innocent.
He argued that the court has no jurisdiction because he was mistreated during months of detention in Ivory Coast.
He also insisted that letters by his successor, Alassane Ouattara, recognizing the court's jurisdiction had no legal value.
Judges rejected his claims last Wednesday and the decision was publicized Monday by the Coalition for the International Criminal Court that supports the tribunal's work.
Gbagbo was extradited to the court in November. A hearing that could determine if the case merits trial was postponed earlier this month because Gbagbo was ill.
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