Ex-Ivorian minister arrested in Ghana, heads for court

  1. Posted on Monday 27 August 2012 - 09:30
    Dolphyne
    Image of Dolphyne
    Joseph Appiah-Dolphyne, AfricaNews editor in Accra, Ghana
    Ex-Ivorian minister of budget and a former spokesperson for former Ivorian leader Laurent Gbagbo has been arrested in Ghana. Kone Katinan picked up upon return from South Africa to Ghana last weekend. He had been living as a political refugee in the West African country since 20111.
    Justin Kone Katinan
    He is the second top official in Gbagbo's government to be arrested while living in exile following the extradition of Moise Lida Kouassi, a former defense minister, from Togo in June.

    Ivorian officials issued an international arrest warrant for Mr. Katinan for alleged crimes in recent post-election violence in the country and economic crimes.

    Discussions are underway with the Ivorian authorities on how Justin Katinan should be extradited.

    Moreover the Ivorian government is said to have presented to the Ghanaian government has been presented with a list of Laurent Gbagbo allies believed to be living in Ghana to be arrested for extradition to Ivory Coast.

    Preparing for court

    Lawyer for detained former Ivorian Minister, Mr. Kone Katinan Justin has given indications that they would be heading to court to seek the release of their client.

    According to Mr. Patrick Sogbordzor, lawyer for Kone Katina, his client up till now has no idea why he was arrested adding that he was just picked up at the airport when he returned from South Africa. He further indicated that his client has been living in Ghana since 2011 and was not a foreigner.

    Mr. Sogbodzor said at least his client should be told why he is being detained adding that “he’s obviously been kept beyond the legal 48 hour” and they are going to seek all the necessary legal help for him.

    He said they were heading to court in that regard.

    In a statement signed by Ghana’s Deputy Information Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Mr. Kone holds a refugee card from the Ghana Refugee Board which is also recognized by the UNHCR adding that Mr. Kone Katinan Justin’s arrest warrant was signed on the 16th of August 2012 by Ivorian authorities.

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