Global Politics: Verdict on International Justice - ICC acquits Gbagbo

An interesting development for those studying Global Politics is the acquittal by the ICC of the Ivory Coast's former President Gbagbo.

The efficacy of the international tribunals in upholding human rights and enforcing international law is questionable given arguments that they lack teeth and are seen to have a cultural bias. ex- President Laurent Gbagbo was indicted for crimes against humanity in connection with violence following a disputed 2010 election in which he was voted out of office. Gbagbo's case was especially significant as he was the first former head of state to be tried by the ICC. The ICC has ruled that he has no case to answer as the prosecutors had failed to demonstrate 'the existence of a 'common plan' to keep Mr Mbagbo in power which included crimes against civilians, or a policy to attack a civilian population.' So what does this mean for international justice? On the one hand it might be argued that the ICC's reputation has been tarnished as it had failed to secure a prosecution in a high profile and test case involving mass atrocities which castes into relief the ICC's credibility and effectiveness. This adds to the recent failed prosecutions against Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and also former DR Congo Vice-President Jean-Pierre Bemba. However, it might equally be argued that a sign of a mature court is also the ability for judges to demonstrate independence and impartiality and it is important for a court to deliver both guilty and not guilty verdicts. So in this case it might be argued that the criticism of the ICC as being an instrument of neo-colonialism which is purely used to convict African leaders is thus overblown.

Here is an article: Laurent Gbagbo case: Ivory Coast leader's acquittal rattles ICC foundations