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Ivory Coast's Ex-President Charged with Theft

Former leader Laurent Gbagbo allegedly embezzled public funds.
Captured - Ivory Coast ex-president Laurent Gbagbo and his wife Simone were arrested Monday after forces stormed the presidential palace, where he clung on to power despite losing the election to Alassane Ouattara in December. Gbagbo's capture ends a period of uncertainty that put the African nation on the brink of disaster. (Photo: AP Photo/Aristide Bodegla)

AP Photo/Aristide Bodegla

Captured - Ivory Coast ex-president Laurent Gbagbo and his wife Simone were arrested Monday after forces stormed the presidential palace, where he clung on to power despite losing the election to Alassane Ouattara in December. Gbagbo's capture ends a period of uncertainty that put the African nation on the brink of disaster. (Photo: AP Photo/Aristide Bodegla)
By Associated Press
August 19, 2011 / 10:41 AM

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast (AP) — An official says Ivory Coast's former strongman has been charged with economic crimes including aggravated theft and embezzlement of public funds.

 

Public prosecutor Simplice Kouadio Koffi said former leader Laurent Gbagbo is being held in the northern town of Korhogo. These are the first charges since Gbagbo's April arrest by forces loyal to President Alassane Ouattara.

 

Gbagbo's refusal to concede defeat in November plunged the nation into postelection violence that killed thousands.

 

Koffi said former first lady Simone Gbagbo was also charged with economic crimes. Trial dates have not been set.

 

Last week Gbagbo's son and 11 others were charged over postelection activities. No member of Ouattara's group has been charged.

(Photo: AP Photo/Aristide Bodegla)

Ivory Coastlaurent gbagbo

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