(New York) - Forces loyal to Alassane Ouattara apprehended Laurent Gbagbo in Abidjan on April 11, 2011. "Gbagbo has been credibly implicated in crimes against humanity and other atrocities for which he should be held to account," said Daniel Bekele, Africa director at Human Rights Watch. He should not be granted a golden exile in a country that would shield him from national or international prosecution.
Ouattara's forces have an obligation to treat him and others in their custody humanely in accordance with international law. After months of fighting in which civilians suffered terribly, Ouattara takes control of a deeply divided country. To end over a decade of abuse and impunity, Ouattara's new government needs to ensure that all those responsible for the crimes that have characterized this painful period of Cote d'Ivoire's history face fair justice, regardless of their rank or political allegiance.
