ICC Prosecutor: The pursuit of justice continues in Côte d’Ivoire

Today, Saturday, the 22nd of March 2014, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Mrs Fatou Bensouda welcomed the news of the transfer of Charles Blé Goudé to the custody of the ICC in The Hague.

“We are a step closer in helping to unveil the full truth in one of Côte d'Ivoire’s worst episodes of mass violence in recent history.   Those who use violence and commit mass crimes against civilians in pursuit of power must be held accountable.   Ivorian victims who suffered immensely deserve no less,” said Prosecutor Bensouda.

Mr Blé Goudé is the second person to be transferred to The Hague in relation to alleged crimes against humanity committed during the post-election violence in 2010/2011 in Côte d’Ivoire.  “Let me be clear. This is not the end of our work in Côte d'Ivoire: our investigations will continue; we will collect more evidence, and as warranted, bring further cases before the ICC judges without fear or favour, and irrespective of sides or political affiliation of the perpetrators.”

Prosecutor Bensouda urges all States to renew and refocus their efforts to secure the arrests of all other suspects subject to warrants of arrest by the ICC who remain at large.