Describing his prosecution as “abduction” the ex-president minced no words in expressing his utter disgust in the prosecution of the deposed Ivorian leader.
In a statement Mr Rawlings called on all Africans to ponder new ways of bringing justice to its own citizens rather than handing them over to the ICC.
Gbagbo was captured after months of disputed election violence in Ivory Coast which left thousands dead and several hundreds fleeing the once peaceful West African Country.
Newly sworn-in president Allasane Quattara promised justice and national reconciliation but shortly after taking over the reigns of power he handed over his adversary to the ICC for prosecution.
This Mr. Rawlings considers unfortunate stating: “This transfer followed a procedure so hasty that it could be rightfully described as abduction.”
“My suspicion grows even more, when the prosecuting attorney claiming to be targeting six officials in Cote d’Ivoire, unduly focuses on Gbagbo, the one who is least likely to escape due to his being already in custody,” he added.
While Mr. Rawlings would not condone any form of arbitrary leadership by any African leader, he said, “No one is trying to evade justice. But when such justice is drenched in a sea of humiliation and abuses, so as to be governed by self-righteous hatred with its untenable logic, it only befits human conscience to stand up against it for the good of all.
He said all well meaning Africans must speak up against this injustice.
The following is the full details of Mr. Rawlings’ statement.
STATEMENT BY H.E. JERRY JOHN RAWLINGS ON THE
TRANSFER OF PRESIDENT LAURENT GBAGBO TO THE
INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT (ICC)
I have learnt with dismay reports that deposed President Gbagbo of Cote d’Ivoire has been transferred to The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Tuesday, November 29th, following a speedy indictment, in total violation of relevant international code of procedures and in total disregard for the demands of peace in Cote d’Ivoire.
This transfer followed a procedure so hasty that it could be rightfully described as abduction.
My suspicion grows even more, when the prosecuting attorney claiming to be targeting six officials in Cote d’Ivoire, unduly focuses on Gbagbo, the one who is least likely to escape due to his being already in custody.
This eagerness to indict and transfer Gbagbo, who did not run in the face of the bombing of his palace like a common criminal, defies logic and the quest for true reconciliation and sustainable peace in Cote d’Ivoire.
After fifty years of independence, Africa should have all the know how to bring justice to its own citizens and do away with imported justice.
What kind of prosecution would rather be in haste to bring to justice the victim of an attack, and be lenient on the perpetrator of the attack?
No one is trying to evade justice. But when such justice is drenched in a sea of humiliation and abuses, so as to be governed by self-righteous hatred with its untenable logic, it only befits human conscience to stand up against it for the good of all.
We will not be silent about this because we must not be silent about it as participating members in this human drama.
From: www.myjoyonline.com
No comments:
Post a Comment