Thu Aug 18, 2011 10:38PM GMT
Ivory Coast's ousted President Laurent Gbagbo (L) and his wife Simone (file photo)
Ivory Coast's ousted ruler Laurent Gbagbo and his wife have been charged with resorting to criminality in order to reap economic gains, says public prosecutor Simplice Kouadio Koffi.
The charges included 'aggravated theft, armed robbery, embezzlement of public funds, and pillage,' the prosecutor said on Thursday, AFP reported.
Gbagbo, who was removed from power in April, and his wife Simone are currently under house arrest in separate places.
The African state was the scene of months of conflict sparked by the former ruler's refusal to cede power to his rival Alassane Ouattara after the latter's win in the November 2010 presidential election.
Around 3,000 people were killed and a million displaced during the unrest.
The government hopes that the International Criminal Court, which has not officially opened an enquiry into the unrest yet, launches legal action against the couple.
Upon trial, the former president could face cases against him of alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.
AGB/HN
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