Africa | Ivory Coast | Politics

Nation divided over Ivory Coast ex-first lady’s conviction

An Ivory Coast court sentenced former first lady Simone Gbagbo to 20 years in prison for her alleged involvement in the post-election violence of 2010. She was on trial alongside 78 other allies of her husband, ex-president Laurent Gbagbo. His refusal to admit defeat by current president Alassane Ouattara pitched the country into a chaotic conflict that claimed nearly 3,000 lives in five months. Simone’s 20-year sentence was double the 10 years requested by the state prosecutor.

Africa | Ivory Coast | Politics

Ivory Coast’s former first lady jailed for 20 years over election violence

Source: france24

A court in Ivory Coast on Tuesday sentenced former first lady Simone Gbagbo to a 20-year prison term on charges of “undermining state security” during post-election violence in 2010-2011 that left nearly 3,000 dead. Supporters of Simone Gbagbo's commitment to political causes hailed her as "the Hillary Clinton of the tropics". But for detractors, the "Iron Lady" became the "Blood Lady", amid allegations by human rights activists that the regime used teams of killers to deal with opponents.