Gbagbo's son questions the neutrality of the ICC

Michel Gbagbo, son of former Ivorian president Laurent Gbagbo says his father cannot have a fair judgement at the ongoing trial in The Hague.

Michel Gbagbo watched the trial in the company of his father’s supporters in Abidjan.

“The resignation of magistrates, inability to identify witnesses, no access to the courtroom , additional time for the prosecutor, and inability to bail President Gbagbo….. All this needs to be questioned,” Michel Gbagbo said.

Laurent Gbagbo is accused of sparking post electoral violence which caused the death of about 3000 Ivorians five years ago.

He believes the ICC is in its test phase and many things need to be ameliorated.

“Adjustments have not been well established vis-a-vis the sovereignty of each state. For instance the ICC asked for the extradition of Simone Gbagbo, but Ivory Coast went ahead to sentence her,” Michel Gbagbo said.

Michel Gbagbo, accused of “challenging state authorities” was arrested alongside his father in April 2011. He was later released on bail.

He filed a case against Guillaume Soro in France which sparked diplomatic row between Paris and Abidjan.