Today, the confirmation of charges hearing in the case against Charles Blé Goudé (Blé Goudé) is commencing before Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Blé Goudé is a national of the Côte D’Ivoire who has been charged with four counts of crimes against humanity, including murder, rape, persecution and other inhumane acts, in his alleged capacity as a member of former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo’s inner circle and leader of the pro-Gbagbo youth.

He has been charged as an indirect co-perpetrator under Article 25(3)(a) of the Statute and alternatively for ordering, soliciting or inducing the crimes, aiding or abetting the commission of the crimes, and for contributing in any other way to the commission or attempted commission of the crimes, under Articles 25(3)(b), (c) and (d), respectively. These crimes are alleged to have been committed in Abidjan, the capital of Côte d’Ivoire between 16 December 2010 and 12 April 2011, during a period of post-election violence.

Read the full Statement by the Women’s Initiatives for Gender Justice.