Simone Gbagbo given 20-year sentence for her role in the 2010 post-election clashes in Ivory Coast.
ADVERTISEMENTSimone Gbagbo has been handed a 20-year jail term. Ivory Coast’s former first lady was convicted for her role in the post-election violence in 2010.
She has been found guilty of undermining state security, disturbing public order and organising armed gangs.
Mrs Gbagbo. pic.twitter.com/PeJzEgE6Uw
— PAPI (@hbgumi) March 10, 2015
The 65-year-old is also wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for allegedly committing crimes against humanity, but the warrant was dismissed by the Ivorian government.
Post-election clashes
More than 3,000 people died in clashes after her husband, former President Laurent Gbagbo, refused to concede election defeat.
Laurent Gbagbo and the Cote d'Ivoire ... #Victim#FranceAfrique#Imperialism#Racismpic.twitter.com/rtxNN2otFl
— Olufemi Ijebuode (@WazobiaMan) January 10, 2015
The pair were arrested in 2011 when troops stormed a bunker in the city of Abidjan, where they had taken refuge.
A family affair
Laurent Gbagbo is awaiting trial at the ICC on charges including murder, rape and persecution. His son Michel was convicted alongside his wife and was handed a five-year jail term.
The ex-first lady was tried alongside 82 other allies of her husband.
Simone Gbagbo’s lawyer said they would appeal.